[nagdu] Learning new routes with a guide dog.

[Laurel and Stockard]

Hi Maria,
Often times I try and get a good idea of my root before I go out. I try to find out whether the root has side walks all the way, how many strreet crossings etc. This is not always possible, so I dont let lack of information keep me from going where I want to go. Sometimes I take my folding cane with me, so if Stockard my guide isnt totally sure where to go, I can use it to feel what is around. I dont need this very often though, but it can be helpful at times. I also have become very good at asking questions, and clarifying information. If you ae walking down a street with a lot of businesses shops etc, chances are that you will be able to find people to get directions from. I also use gps apps on my iPhone to help me. I use navigon, and sindero gps. Feel free to email me off list if you want to talk about these apps.
The best piece of advice I can give you, is to gain as many independence tools as possible, good people skills, gps etc, and use them. And, if you feel unsure, or get lost, dont panic. Keep your head up and always try and maintain a good since of where you are. I have gotten lost many times, but because of my good mental map and because I kept calk, I got us where I wanted to go. I find it is really 90 percent about confidence and the ability to be cool and calm, and 10 percent the rest. If you want to email me off list to keep this conversation going, please do so at laurel.stockard at gmail.com.
Thanks and have a great day!
Laurel and Stockard

Sent from my iPad

On Oct 9, 2012, at 10:23, "Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC)" <REBECCA.PICKRELL at tasc.com> wrote:

> Thank you for this. Thank you for explaining how and why it works. I'd not like it, but then I don't have to do it.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Nadja Öberg
> Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 11:16 AM
> To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Learning new routes with a guide dog.
> 
> 
> BS"D
> 
> Rebecca,
> 
> Our schools work differently. I don't see it as a problem that I need sighted help to learn a new route because this is how my dog and I was taught it from the beginning. I don't do it all the times but that's because it works for us. I know that SLHF (the federation for Swedish guide dog owners) want the school to be more positive to free work your dog if the dog and owner are made for it so we'll see that'll happen in the future.
> 
> I'm taught how to free run my dog and I don't need to have a sighted person with me. I don't do it so often because of my location but I've friends who free run their dogs every week in the forest and such.
> 
> Kind regards,
> Nadja and Hera
> 
> Webpage: http://www.nadjaoberg.com
> 
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