[NAGDU] need suggestions re kids without supervision in my apartment complex

[Aleeha Dudley]

I’m sorry, but these kids don’t speak English, so explaining it to them is not an option. And, I don’t see how my career choices have much to do with it, as I am not in a building at all, but rather outside of my apartment with real consequences if this dog is too distracted.

> On Mar 4, 2017, at 10:33 AM, Becky Frankeberger via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I agree with Julie, educate the kids. Give them candy and ask them to sit down and you teach them with coloring books that are out there about guide dogs. Tell them to sit and wait giving them candy or cookies while you take the dog. Hand out to them to wait while Whitley parks, or you go down the steps, then another candy or cookie reward for being so good, the kids that is. But really Julie had the best idea. Get used to it if you are going to be a vet. Sometimes they listen and sometimes not. But the book should help the parents teach the kids, well I hope anyway.
> 
> Treats of crackers, pretzels, cookies, candy, life savers, nothing with a stick they might get hurt. 
> 
> Becky and Jake still pawing around
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Aleeha Dudley via NAGDU
> Sent: Friday, March 03, 2017 3:58 PM
> To: the National Association of Guide Dog Users NAGDU Mailing List <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Aleeha Dudley <blindcowgirl1993 at gmail.com>
> Subject: [NAGDU] need suggestions re kids without supervision in my apartment complex
> 
> Hey all, 
> I have an interesting situation in my apartment complex that I would like your thoughts about. 
> All the apartments in this building face a central grass courtyard. Every day, someone allows their two very small, non-English speaking children to run and play in that yard without direct supervision. If I am outside with my dog, these kids come racing over, and start distracting my dog. They stare at her, squeal, run around us, stick their hands out and then run away, and otherwise taunt her. I have tried on various occasions to ask them to stop, shake my head, etc, but nothing has worked. It’s been bad enough at times that I literally can’t do anything without these kids following us and distracting Whitley. Unfortunately, i cannot easily unlock my door with them around, because Whitley is always trying to watch them to see what they are doing. I know that I could and should do some more work with Whitley on child distractions, but I feel like some of this is not her fault. Staring is competitive and playful body language to a dog, and, in that situation, she can’t help but react. Also, I feel like these kids are interfering with her work and could well get us hurt, especially since there are big, wrought iron staircases on the outside of the building that just out over the edge of the sidewalk and could do some serious damage to my head if Whitley was not paying attention. Do any of you have any thoughts? I have called my landlord once, but the had no success. 
> Thanks,
> Aleeha 
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