[nagdu] taking guide dogs to concerts and other public events

[Larry D. Keeler]

Mike, I for example would never take holly to our football stadium.  It is 
way to packed, sometimes there are drastic temperature changes during the 
game and she'd have to put up with it for a long time!
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael Hingson" <Mike at michaelhingson.com>
To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, February 08, 2013 8:12 PM
Subject: [nagdu] taking guide dogs to concerts and other public events


I second Marion's comments.  Seats can be an issue depending on dog size.
For example, I have taken my guides to concerts with tight seating
arrangements such as those described by Marion.  I had no problem, but my
dogs are pretty small.

Also, extremely loud concerts may or may not be a problem for your dog.  I
have seen quite loud events where my dog actually slept.  I have had other
guides that would have freaked out if I had taken them to the same event.
This is all part of getting to know your guide dog.

There is one item I would point out.  The more you hesitate and fear the
more your guide dog will worry.  These guide dogs are incredibly empathetic
which I think is a good thing.  The more you worry, the more they will
worry.  I personally believe many fear reactions in dogs originate in our
own fears.  Common sense is important.  even if you take a dog to a concert
and you find that the decision was the wrong one don't fret about it - chalk
it up as a learning experience, be really supportive and confident around
your guide dog and you will find that the team will get over any temporary
trauma you experienced.

There is no single right nor wrong answer here.  Only you can know best.
The more you work with a guide dog the more you will learn about what
decisions are the right ones for the both of you.


Best,


Michael Hingson

The Michael Hingson Group, INC.
"Speaking with Vision"
Michael Hingson, President
(415) 827-4084
info at michaelhingson.com
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Hingson's speaking availability for your next event please visit:
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-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Marion Gwizdala
Sent: Friday, February 08, 2013 03:47 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] [nagdu help

The question of whether or not to bring your guide dog to a concert depends
upon several factors. My primary consideration is the type of seating that
will be available. I went to a james Taylor concert at the Ice Palace in
Tampa, Florida (now the Tampa Bay Times Forum) and took my guide dog. I knew
my seating was in an area where there were folding chairs and lots of space.

On the other hand, I went to an Eric Clapton concert in the same venue and
didn't take my dog. I knew the seating was fixed and there was very little
room for the dog. Whether or not to take your guide dog is a personal
decision only you can make after considering all the factors. Now that the
concert has come and gone, what did you decide?

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala



----- Original Message -----From: "Larry D. Keeler" <lkeeler at comcast.net>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2013 8:43 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] [nagdu help


> Depends on what kind of concert and how your dog reacts!  I'd take mine!
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Becky Sabo" <beckyasabo at gmail.com>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2013 8:35 PM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] [nagdu help
>
>
>> Hi all
>> I am going to a concert tonight in Colorado. It the first one since I got

>> my dog. Should or I should not bring her tonight?
>> Becky Sabo
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Feb 7, 2013, at 4:06 PM, Stephanie Mitchell
>> <naturelovingmom at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> As a soon to be dog user, this discussion is really interesting.  I was
>> told that when I first get my dog, I cant let it do this, otherwise it
>> will not learn to obey me...  How long before you can do this sort of
>> thing with the dog?
>> Steph
>>
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