[nagdu] Wanted: opinions about guide dogs

[larry d keeler]

Interestingly, I knew a woman who weighed about 110. She got and controled a
dog who we would have bet weighed as much as she did! They were a great team
even though I thaught the dog would take off and the woman would have flown
behind! Maybe it did happen. I never saw what happened when the dog saw a
squirrel!

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie J. via
nagdu
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2015 7:57 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: Julie J.
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Wanted: opinions about guide dogs

45 pounds or so is about the smallest dog that I've heard any of the
programs putting out on a regular basis.  I've heard of smaller dogs, but
generally there are some serious health issues causing them to be so 
undersized.   There are a lot of considerations besides the size, pace and 
pull and temperament are the main ones.   The harness handle comes in 
different sizes, so you should be able to use a shorter handle that will
still put you in the correct position relative to the dog.

I opted to owner train and then have a dog privately trained for me, so I
have no experience with any program.  Ownership is a big deal for me.  I
won't consider a program who doesn't provide ownership at graduation. 
Positive training methods are also important to me as is the quality of the
nutrition and health of the dog, no mandatory follow up, the blindness views
of the program, custodial policies and the length of training.

Advantages have been covered pretty well.  The speed difference is most
noticeable outdoors.  Inside I'd say I'm about the same with cane or dog,
unless I frequent the same place a lot.  Then the dog learns the routine and
takes me to the things I most often visit.

Disadvantages have also been covered.  A dog is more expensive, even if the 
program covers some of the vet costs.   It's also more time consuming. 
Something that I don't think has been said is that a dog requires a lot of
up front time investment.  the first 6 months or maybe a year are going to
include a lot of time learning the intricacies of how to work best together,
teaching the dog the details needed to work in your home environment and
just smoothing out the rough edges.  It's a lot of work.  The payoff is that
once that working relationship is well established, you will have much 
easier and pleasant travels for the next few years.   The first year can be 
frustrating though.  Dogs don't always work as you want them to right out of
the box, so to speak.


All my best in whatever you decide,
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
-----Original Message-----
From: Mikaela Stevens via nagdu
Sent: Monday, July 27, 2015 10:23 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Mikaela Stevens
Subject: [nagdu] Wanted: opinions about guide dogs

Dear guide dog users:

I am considering getting a guide dog. I am a little person, so I hope to get
a smaller dog. What kinds of dogs are available? What is the best training
program to use? Finally, what are the pros and cons of having a dog?

Thank you for your time and help.

Best,
Mikaela
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