[nagdu] Soul Searching

[Criminal Justice Major]

Hi, Cindy,
Despite the rough parts during convention, I'm glad you had fun though.
Perhaps the reasoning for Fischer's growling or barking may be a sign of stress and probably being too enclosed.
I remember one time during an ACB/GDUI convention four years ago in Louisville, KY, I came across a guide dog team where the handler seemed friendly and she was good for keeping on her dog.
Once we all got into an elevator, her dog started growling and despite hard corrections and quiet, nothing worked.
She seeked help and advice from a GDF instructor.
I recommended her to do that since they were the ones who trained her guide dog and they would know what's best.
I was honest with the handler, explaining that I was sensing her dog was enclosed and didn't like the feeling of being cornered.
Here comes the real truth.
One thing I, wish, is people who aren't dog handlers would stop judging a handler unless they see both the team working at all times.
Just because a dog may bark or growl doesn't make a blind or other individuals with disabilities bad handlers, especially given that they are trying to really work hard with their dog.
Yes, a dog's bark can be scary, if you're not expecting it.
For those who were trying to claim that you're not controlling your dog, how about they stop, put themselves in ours or the dog's shoes to see how they feel when they stress out.
i'm only saying this because I've had moments where I've just had to stop and think about Odie's feelings on how or what he feels.
Once I started doing that among talking to him, it helped the two of us more.
Also, please don't blame yourself for this happening as you had no idea how your partner was going to react and it's possible that he just may not like huge amount of activities like crowds and being enclosed by too many other dogs.
When you do place a call to TSE, I do hope they will be able to help you out and be honest with sharing your feelings.
The more you're able to communicate, the better it will go for all involved.
Please keep us posted on how it all goes and if there's anything I can do to help or offer suggestions or advice, feel free to write me off list at:
orleans24 at comcast.net
Again, you're not a bad handler and things like this can happen to experienced users too.
Bibi