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

Sat Feb 9 02:36:39 UTC 2013

I'm in agreement with others on the list, you must know your dog. I almost can't not laugh about my memories about my New york trip. Phantom of the Opera, in tight seats, with 3 guide dog users in seats next to each other. My pup did not like the show at all, only settled down after the intermission. But then a month later, we went to a Toby Mac concert, it was loud, and she did fine. I would not take her again to a concert like that, not because she would be freaked out about the noise, but more because of other variables. 

Marsha drenth  
Sent with my IPhone 
http://adventureswith2feet4paws.blogspot.com 

On Feb 8, 2013, at 8:12 PM, "Michael Hingson" <Mike at michaelhingson.com> wrote:

> 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"
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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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>> 
>> 
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> 
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