[nagdu] differences between service dogs and pets

[Tracy Carcione]

I've had pets all my life.  I've had guide dogs for 35 years.  I still remember, when I got my first guide dog, that it was something of a strain to have the dog with me pretty much 24/7.  Now I take it for granted, but back then, I did not.  
Also, unlike a pet, the dog is out and about with me, and has to be considered.  Is he in a safe place?  Is he trying to eat something he shouldn't?  Is he telling me something, or is he goofing off?  All these things took some getting used to, a lot more with my first dog, but still some.  I have to be aware of him and what he's up to, and I have to work out how to communicate with him and listen to him more than I ever did with a pet.
Tracy


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie J. via nagdu
Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 10:59 AM
To: the National Association of Guide Dog Users NAGDU Mailing List
Subject: [nagdu] differences between service dogs and pets

Hello all!

What would you say to a person who is considering getting a guide or service dog, who has had pets before, but not a service dog.  What are the differences in handling, care, behavior etc.?  I’m not meaning the going into no pets stores, but more about your expectations and how you interact with the dog.  I have my own ideas, but will hold out to see what others think.

Curiously,
Julie 
Courage to Dare: A Blind Woman's Quest to Train her Own Guide Dog is now available! Get the book here:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QXZSMOC
Visit my new website on developing courage and living authentically:
http://www.falling-up.com
_______________________________________________
nagdu mailing list
nagdu at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nagdu:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/carcione%40access.net