[nagdu] Working with a guide dog and toddler

[Buddy Brannan]

Hi Jen,

It’s been a long time since Alena was four (and the size of a one year old), but Chet adjusted to her all right. I actually did pull her behind me in a stroller. Tipped back on its back wheels and was very careful, only dropped her a couple times. As for walking, when we had her up out of the stroller, and when she outgrew it, we walked her on a child leash. I know some people really don’t like those, though I’m not entirely sure why apart from a specifically emotional reaction, but it worked well for us and made it easier for us to keep track of her. As for walking a different pace with vs. without a child, these dogs are amazingly adaptable. Yours will figure this out with your help. Chet was a fast walker, but he slowed right down when he needed to. 

— 
Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA
Phone: 814-860-3194 
Mobile: 814-431-0962
Email: buddy at brannan.name



> On Feb 26, 2015, at 6:38 PM, Jennifer Woods via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> What did you do about the fact that you probably walk a different pace when with your child than without?
> The wagon Is a great idea when we're not riding the bus and are just out for a walk as long as he doesn't want to pull it ha ha.
> 
> Jenn
> "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 NKJV
> 
> On Feb 26, 2015, at 12:46 PM, Marianne Denning <marianne at denningweb.com> wrote:
> 
> I had my child hold my hand.  The other thing I did was use a wagon
> instead of a stroller.  I put blankets in the bottom of the wagon and
> away we went.
> 
>> On 2/26/15, Jennifer Woods via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Hi,
>> My name is Jennifer, and I have a three-year-old son. I am currently on the
>> waiting list for a guide dog and I am wondering how those of you who have
>> toddlers and a guide dog make it work?
>> I am currently working with an orientation and mobility instructor to teach
>> my son to walk a little bit behind me. Using a stroller is very difficult so
>> he wears a backpack with a leash to help him stay by me as we are walking.
>> We are trying to figure out what my pace is with him and without him while
>> walking so that it's not a huge change between my regular pace and the pace
>> I walk when he's with me.
>> 
>> Thank you for sharing any of experiences and/or advice with me to make the
>> transition easier when the dog arrives.
>> 
>> Jenn
>> "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
>> NKJV
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> 
> 
> -- 
> Marianne Denning, TVI, MA
> Teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired
> (513) 607-6053
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