[NAGDU] guide dogs and unfamiliar routes

Bob Hicks bob at seeinghandassociation.com
Tue Apr 19 15:22:51 UTC 2016


Ditto!


Best Regards,

Bob Hicks

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Michael Hingson via NAGDU
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2016 10:45 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Michael Hingson <mike at michaelhingson.com>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] guide dogs and unfamiliar routes

I want to take Julie's comments a bit further. If our dogs get stressed when we get lost it is probably because we get stressed first. How do our dogs know we are lost unless our reactions indicate this?

If we become lost rather than getting stressed we should try to remain calm and work out the problem. Our dogs feed off us. The more we stress the more our guides do the same. Personally, I believe our dogs live longer if we keep the stress in ourselves and thus our dogs down. 


Best Regards,


Michael Hingson

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie McGinnity via NAGDU
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2016 7:38 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Julie McGinnity <kaybaycar at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] guide dogs and unfamiliar routes

Hi all,

I agree with what's been said...  And I'll take it a step further...

We should expect that we will get lost with our dogs.  It will happen at least once, if not multiple times.  And we must know how our dogs react to this.  Of course, it is ideal to know exactly where we're going so that we can give our dog clear directions, but navigating the world can be rather like navigating life.  We do not always know where we're going, even when we think we do.

So do you know how your dog reacts when you're lost.  My first dog would work but got really stressed out.  My current dog probably thinks it's a game and loves it because I ask him for more targets when I don't know what's around me.  As long as I tell him he's a good boy, he's on board.  :)

These dogs should have the training to work with us under a majority of the circumstances in which we find ourselves.  There is no reason we should be afraid of working them in new environments or expect that we will always no where we are headed when we're using our dogs.  If you feel more comfortable with your cane in a new environment and wish to use it, then go for it.  But if you would rather work the dog, or if you want your dog with you for the rest of the travel involved in your plans, then excellent.  In the end, Aleeha, you know yourself and your dog best, and that matters the most.

On 4/19/16, Star Gazer via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 				The dog should do what it's told, in that your commands should be 
> conveyed in a manner that is easy for you and that the dog can understand.
> Who is pushing back and why do you care? I mean, if it's the mail man, 
> it doesn't matter what he thinks, at least not in this situation. If 
> it's someone who trained the dog and is trying to excuse poor 
> training, then you need to decide what you'll do about it... not use a dog? Get another dog?
> Get a dog from another school? Talk to the owner trainers to see what 
> suggestions they may have? You have a lot of options.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Aleeha 
> Dudley via NAGDU
> Sent: Monday, April 18, 2016 8:41 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users 
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Aleeha Dudley <blindcowgirl1993 at gmail.com>
> Subject: [NAGDU] guide dogs and unfamiliar routes
>
> Hey all,
> I’m writing to seek your opinion on something that I’ve been pondering 
> for a while. Do you guys find that it is reasonable to go to a brand 
> new city with your dog, get directions to go somewhere, and get there, 
> while still using the dog, even if the area is unknown? Am I wrong in 
> thinking that the dog should listen to what you need, and not have a 
> massive panic? I’ve gotten some push back from people on this and wanted to see your thoughts.
> Thanks
> Aleeha
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--
Julie A. McGinnity
President, National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division, Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind of Missouri "For we walk by faith, not by sight"
2 Cor. 7

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