[nagdu] Help for obese dogsRE: Control of Guide Dog Issue

Wed Jul 31 16:49:01 UTC 2013

Dear All,
	At our annual meeting during the guide dog training programs
comments about the Bill of Rights, Leader asserted that the reason for their
two-year probationary period was the prevalendce of obesity among guide
dogs. I found this interesting, especially since Mr. Haneline himself told
me that the two-year probationary period was the result of the handler who
kicked his dog to death! Now I wonder which it really is! In any case, I
questioned him about the obesity issue and was told it is really a problem.
It would be interesting to know some statistics on this. As a counselor, I
practice what is referred to as "Evidence Based Treatment" (EBT). This means
that the treatment is founded on evidence of success, not merely the belief
that it works or anecdotal information. I am of the opinion that, if this
were really such a problem other training programs would observe similar
issue (replication) and modify their practices to prevent it. Without
evidence that it is an issue, I am unconvinced of the problem and leery of
the its justification to deny ownership based upon a mythical problem!

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Deanna Lewis
Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 10:00 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: [nagdu] Help for obese dogsRE: Control of Guide Dog Issue

I do think overweight and obese dogs are more common nowadays, just like
people! My dog has always been a big boy, and was a bit overweight, but now
he has lost 7 pounds and looks fantastic. He looks great at 77 pounds. He
gained his weight due to not working for a few weeks on and off, due to me
having 8 eye surgeries in less than a year. But, as soon as we started to
work every day, and cut his food a bit, he slimmed down pretty quickly.
I know this one person, who has a black lab that is severely obese. He is
about 20-22 inches at the shoulders, and weighs at least 115. The poor thing
gets out of breath just from walking a block or two. The handler goes
overboard in feeding this dog. He gives him treats constantly and I am sure
that he eats people food a lot at home. He is also very misbehaved.  The
handler will not listen to people when they kindly make suggestions about
the dog's weight. I know that the school took him away a few years back, and
got some of the weight off. But, as soon as they came back home, he went
back to his old habits. I wish there were something more I could do to help
in this situation. Have any of you witnessed this type of issue. How could
you help out the dog and handler?
Deanna and Pascal

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jimmy
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 6:21 PM
To: National Association of Guide Dog Users Gwizdala
Subject: [nagdu] Control of Guide Dog Issue

Greetings friends,
	Hope everyone is well. I did not mean to have the topic get off of
handlers controling their dogs and being accountable in pertaining to one of
the dogs that was involved in my situation being a pit. I know many are very
passionate about taht breed and feel they are misconceived. I have other
feelings on the matter. However, I agree totally taht no matter what the
breed the dog it- whether lab or shepherd- that dog can become aggressiveand
if not controled or appropriate steps taken, can have unfortunate
consequences. Here is a topic I am curious about your input on. This subject
was brought up at our convention- that is the issue with obesity of our
service animals. What arey your thoughts? This was a new issue  I was
unaware of, if it is really an issue. Did anyone notice an over weight issue
among service dogs  at the convention , those who have some vision?  
Thanks

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