[nagdu] Preparing to bring your Guide dog home

[Applebutter Hill]

I think of two things initially. First, it is important for your family and
friends to understand that you are not bringing home a pet, that the first 6
months to a year of your relationship is a critical bonding period that will
make the difference in whether or how well you two will work out as an
independent team and how safe you will be. If and when they will be allowed
to pet or play with your dog is solely at your disgression and on the advice
of your instructor. Even ten years from now, they need to defer to your
wishes about this.

Second, you are bringing home a real live dog, a fur person, a living
breathing animal with emotional and physical needs. He or she will have
already made many sacrifices on the road to becoming a working dog. Your new
dog was first taken from his birth mother and litter mates, then taken from
his or her puppy raiser family, then taken from his trainer. He or she is
now an adult dog capable of being concerned that your home as well will be
temporary. The love you give, the consistency you display with regard to
obedience and working behavior, the time you invest in including your dog in
your life will make a huge difference in the dog's ability to adjust and
thrive in this new environment.
HTH,
Donna & Hunter
-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Roanna Bacchus
via nagdu
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2015 3:06 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Roanna Bacchus
Subject: [nagdu] Preparing to bring your Guide dog home

Dear Nagdu Members,

Since I want to learn more about guide dogs, I thought I would start this
topic.  I remember how good I felt the first day I brought my cane home from
school.  I remember thinking about how my sighted siblings and other family
members would react to seeing my cane at home.  They are very open to me
traveling with my cane disever we go someever.  How do you prepare to bring
your guide dogs home after training with them? Look forward to reading your
thoughts on this topic.

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