[nagdu] Guides at NFB training centers

[Michael Hingson]

Debby,

I am not a moderator, but simply suggesting that I am hearing comments
becoming more strident. We also are beginning to go around in circles which
is not helpful. I am sure that people on this list have communicated the
thread to center staff. What is continued discussion here going to
accomplish?

There have been some good suggestions made on the list. Why not consider
having a conversation with a center director and report back to us the
results.

I tell you absolutely that my suggestion to cut off discussion would occur
whether or not the discussion was about the NFB centers. Do NOT read into my
words. I simply note that the discussion is getting testy. I suggested that
we cease for the moment before the moderators do so. 


Best Regards,


Michael Hingson

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Debby Phillips
via nagdu
Sent: Wednesday, September 02, 2015 5:32 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>; nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Debby Phillips <semisweetdebby at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guides at NFB training centers

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

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