[nagdu] Working with a guide dog and toddler

[Danielle Antoine]

Jennifer it is really just simply not that complicated! Your dog will
adjust accordingly. The schools just want  to know this to prepare
potential dogs in advance and they will work with you similarly in
class. Once MY KIDS were of walking age I used a harness otherwise
known as a child leash just as Buddy did. Then, they held my hand. By
the time i got my Golden girl my children could walk alone dependably
at 5, 7, and 9 and could observe simple rules while walking like not
get out of earshot and stop and wait at curbs if they got their before
me and once they started riding bikes to not obstruct my dog's path
like by purposefully crossing in front repeatedly, or, they would get
off and walk that bike to wherever we were headed! Most dogs will
notice your child in tow and speed up or slow down accordingly though
so not to worry. Not sure how big your child is but their are some
strollers according to my research that can accommodate a child up to
6 or 7. Congrats on going to guide dog school!

Danielle

On 2/26/15, Jennifer Woods via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hi, I'm sorry I didn't understand voiceover when it said your name?
> I was talking to the school what I'm going to get my dog from and they
> suggested I talk to people who have done this before so thank you that is
> very helpful! They said that I walk at 3.5 miles per hour by myself.
> When I was walking with my son and the orientation and mobility instructor
> today she said that I walkwith him at a moderate pace.
> I have never wanted to be one of those parents whose child is struggling to
> keep up with them because they are walking too fast. What would you do when
> you didn't use the stroller and were taking the bus?
>
> Jenn
> "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
> NKJV
>
> On Feb 26, 2015, at 3:54 PM, Buddy Brannan <buddy at brannan.name> wrote:
>
> 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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