[nagdu] The Differences in Dogs and Canes

[Julie J.]

Yes, it's fine to use a cane to check out something the dog is showing you 
and you can't figure it out.  Using a cane on sidewalkless routes to check 
your proximity to the edge is common.  Also using a cane to pattern a dog to 
a specific turn, like the fourth sidewalk after the mailbox, is fairly 
common.

In some other countries a shorter white cane and the dog are used 
simultaneously all the time.  Here, in the U.S., the more common practice is 
to get out a folding cane when it is needed and then to return to the dog.

I have owner trained my guides, so they are all accustomed to me using a 
cane because I have to early in the process.  However if a dog isn't used to 
the handler using a cane, it can cause a bit of confusion at first.  I think 
most of the programs are incorporating the cane into the training though.

HTH
Julie


-----Original Message----- 
From: Carol Osmar
Sent: Friday, June 28, 2013 8:54 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] [nard] The Differences in Dogs and Canes

As a potential dog user, I have a question.  Is it ever
recommended to use a cane while with your dog to locate the
things you mentioned, or would that somehow undermine the
trusting partnership you have with your dog?

Carol

----- Original Message -----
From: "Julie J." <julielj at neb.rr.com
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog
Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org
Date sent: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 07:30:32 -0500
Subject: Re: [nagdu] [nard] The Differences in Dogs and Canes

There are mobility things a cane can accomplish more easily than
a dog.
Finding the fourth sidewalk after the mailbox is tough with a
dog, but a
breeze with a cane.  Finding the mailbox in the first place is
easier with a
cane.  Mingling in a crowd is easier with a cane.  Dogs just want
to go
around and will avoid taking you up to clusters of people.  As
was mentioned
earlier, finding and standing in line is tough with a dog.  Odd
situations
you haven't encountered before are easier with a cane, for
example the weird
steps to the curb and street that I described a few months ago.
Any
information from echolocation from the tap of the cane tip is
virtually
nonexistent with a dog.  Getting information about your immediate
surroundings, like am I walking past a flower bed or a giant mud
puddle, is
easier with a cane.  Knowing what surface you are about to step
onto before
taking that first step is way easier with a cane.  Ever take a
step onto a
brick road early on a fall morning after a frost?  It is slick
and a dog
can't see any ice.

Julie



-----Original Message-----
From: Raven Tolliver
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2013 10:56 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [nagdu] The Differences in Dogs and Canes

Hi,
I do not view the cane or cane users negatively.  I would never
say
that I am better than cane users as a collective because I’m sure
there are people who travel more efficiently with their cane than
I do
with my dog.  But apart from handlers/users, guide dogs simply do
more
than canes do.  That is a fact, not an opinion.
It is a personal choice, just as what kind of dog, car, phone, or
laptop people decide to obtain, or what school people decide to
attend.  Everyone will make their ultimate decisions based on
needs,
wants, affordability, and ability to handle.
However, I will stand firm that the guide dog is a better
mobility aid
because it has more capabilities and is more precise.  No one has
disputed this fact with evidence or explanations.
I understand there are advantages and disadvantages to
everything, but
that does not mean all things are on some neutral ground.  Some
cars
are better than others, some phones are better than others, and
some
foods are better than others, regardless of what people can
afford,
are willing to put up with, or are able to handle.
I am sorry if anyone finds this offensive.  My intentions are
simply to
debate and share thought-provoking ideas, not to stir up trouble
or
cause some kind of divide.

--
Raven

Original Message:
From: "Star Gazer" <pickrellrebecca at gmail.com
To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,       the National Association of Guide
Dog
        Users'" <nagdu at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [nagdu] The Differences in Dogs and Canes

You obviously view the cane as negative, your posts are full of
negative
language.  You yourself have said you hate the cane.  That
baffles me, as the
cane doesn't feel anything about you, one way or another.
You are entitled to your opinion, just realize it is exactly
that, your
opinion.

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Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.2242 / Virus Database: 3204/5945 - Release Date: 06/27/13