[nagdu] Changing my Petting Policy

[Elizabeth Campbell]

Hi all
I rarely allow people to pet Gabe when he is in harness. I do make a few
exceptions if I'm in a situation where I am interviewing someone who is
dealing with  some really tragic circumstances I make sure Gabe is sitting
and that I have a good hold on his leash.
What irritates me even more than people asking to pet my dog is the
never-ending question, "what is your dog's name?" I simply tell them that I
don't give out his name while he is on duty. Some understand, but others can
be outright rude, thus another reason for not giving out Gabe's name.

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Vivianna
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2014 7:43 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Changing my Petting Policy

hi.
i never allow anyone to pet my dog.
i just say NO.
if they ask first, i simply say; no, but thank you for asking.
if they don't ask then, i am very firm; don't pet the dog.
if they make stupid kissy sounds, or whistle, or start going doggy doggy
doggy, then, i say; please stop that.
these days, you pretty much have to be living underneath a rock to not know
that a guide dog is guiding a blind person.  i am on of those who does not
want to be spending large amounts of time educating the public or
entertaining their children.
i am also one who believes that allowing the dog to be distracted by
strangers in public or a working situation can do nothing but cause troubles
later on.  all it takes is one mistake and your distracted dog runs you into
something, doesn't stop for a set of stairs, walks you into traffic, etc.  
i have seen many many guide dogs soliciting attention while their person is
on the other end of that harness.
i want my dog to present a professional working attitude. and, dogs like
routine and consistancy.  this way they know what is expected of them at all
times.  i do not get to be distracted, i am working, i am to guide to the
best of my ability.  no, if's and's and but's.  none of this, well i might
be able to be distracted now, or maybe not.  always the same.  day in and
day out.
yes, i admit, i am very very strict.  smiley.

Vivianna
.
i am not one of those who wants to chat all about the dog all day long.  
On Apr 29, 2014, at 12:22 AM, "Darla Rogers" <djrogers0628 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi everyone,
> 
> 
> 
>                The Handsome Huck is a people magnet and peo9ple are 
> magnets for him; there is some petting--last time going through a 
> revolving door--and I used to let him sit and be petted, but I don't 
> believe this is in the best interest of our working relationship?
> 
>                Any ideas?  Strategies?  Explanations?
> 
> Darla & Mister Socialite
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Darla J. Rogers
> 
> djrogers0628 at gmail.com
> 
> 
> 
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