[nagdu] Guides at NFB training centers

[Debby Phillips]

First of all, I do know that some people have chosen to leave 
Centers because their dogs couldn't handle the long absence of 
their person.  And some dogs have had to be retired because of 
it.  So it does happen.  But I also wonder why the moderators 
want to limit the discussion about this.  Is it because we are 
talking about NFB Centers? If we were talking about other 
Centous, I would bet that there would not be a call to limit or 
stop this discussion.  I think it's worth discussing.  Many of 
the same skills are necessary whether you use a dog or a cane.  
Getting lined up correctly at street crossings; listening to make 
sure that you and the dog aren't veering.  (Which happens, even 
with the best of dogs).  It is still important to know how to 
judge traffic.  That can certainly be learned using a dog as well 
as a cane.  The way I hear people talk about canes sometimes is 
that they're magic wands.  If I learn to use a cane and do it 
well, then somehow I've arrived.  We as dog users know that 
that's bunk.  Sure it's good to have good cane skills.  And yes, 
practicing using your cane sometimes is a good idea.  An 
excellent idea.  Sure our dogs give us subtle signals, but if we 
don't follow those signals well, then we are not being the best 
dog handlers we can be.  If Centers are going to be in the 
forefront, I think it is time to re-examine the dog guide issue 
and perhaps to make some changes that would make it possible for 
people to do part of their travel training using a dog.    Debby 
and Nova