[NAGDU] Questions from a potential future guide dog user.

Thu May 9 21:28:52 UTC 2019

My .02, please know this is just me and everyone has different experiences.

Yes, the first time I walked with a dog I did feel a bit untethered.  It was 
a bit exhilarating and disorienting at the same time.  I was used to a cane 
and the info I got from contact with the environment.  that was gone and I 
didn't yet have the experience of recognizing what the dog was indicating. 
It didn't last long.  The dog will indicate the edge of the street, turns, 
frequently used turns/doors/etc.  You can pattern the dog to target places 
you want or teach the dog to take you to frequently used items like soda 
machines/mailboxes etc.

You will still get all the same tactile information of dips, rises and 
textures that you are used to now.  You will just need to get that info from 
your feet instead of the cane.  I still follow walls, especially in places 
like malls or large hotels, but I do it by sound instead of contact with a 
cane.   The advantage of the dog is that you can teach the dog to say find 
the elevator.  So maybe the first time in a large hotel you follow the wall 
around to the other side of the lobby to get to the elevator, but once 
you're there, you can reinforce this is a great place to be so the dog will 
then be able to take you straight across the lobby directly to the elevator. 
Actually most dogs are probably going to already know to find elevators.  I 
live in a tiny town and my dogs don't often see elevators, so when we come 
across them, I typically have to show them what to do the first time in a 
new place.  Anyway I hope you will understand the idea and how it can apply 
to lots of other situations.

If there is no clear path my dogs will generally stop and refuse to go 
forward.  My older dog will suggest an alternate route from a fair distance 
back, but I usually have no clue what's ahead and insist we go forward, 
which ends in doubling back and taking the turn he previously suggested. 
When the dog stops you will investigate first with a foot, then a hand to 
check for an overhang if needed.  Carrying a folding cane to check things 
out if a foot or hand doesn't work is also an option.  Historically there 
have been diverse opinions about using a cane and dog together on a 
continual basis.  Some opinions are that if your using a dog you should 
never need a cane again.  Others use a cane and dog together nearly all the 
time.  From what I can tell the cane and dog simultaneous users live in 
places where the pathways are very uneven and unpredictable like in very old 
cities or developing countries.  If it makes you feel more secure to carry a 
folding cane and getting it out when you don't understand what the dog is 
indicating, then I say go for it.

On routine...yes, dogs need routine, but that doesn't mean you have to go to 
the same places, in the same order every day.  Different dogs will need 
different levels of routine, just like people.  Some dogs are more flexible 
than others.  I think the most important part of a routine is feeding and 
relieving, but even that can vary somewhat.  Let your program know about 
your travels and lifestyle and they should be able to find a dog that will 
thrive in that environment.

HTH and welcome to the list!
Julie
On The Go with Guide-and-Service-Dogs.com
http://www.guide-and-service-dogs.com
also find my products in the Blind Mice Mega Mall
<https://www.blindmicemegamall.com/bmm/shop/Directory_Departments?storeid=1916046>
-----Original Message----- 
From: Sandra Gayer via NAGDU
Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2019 3:43 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Sandra Gayer
Subject: [NAGDU] Questions from a potential future guide dog user.

Hello Everyone,
I'm new to the list and I use a long cane. I apologise in advance if
my questionshave been asked before or seem dim to all of you seasoned
guide dog owners.

I know guide dogs are taught to guide you around obstacles and find a
clear rout but, what if there is no clear rout?

I use walls, rails and other edges to know where I am. However, I know
that guide dogs are taught to walk in the centre of a path. Does
anyone find this disorientating? I get a, sort of, no man's land
feeling when I'm in open spaces. Is this something you learn to get
used to?

I'm a Singer, an Actor and a Broadcast Presenter. I travel to new
places quite a lot. I have read that guide dogs thrive on routine.
Does that mean that the guide dog wouldn't perform well in new
environments?

I'm wondering if anyone has come across a person using a guide dog but
using a cane on the right side? I just don't see how else I could get
information about the ground; slight rises, dips, there is shared
curbing in the UK, where I live, and although this means there is no
curbe, there is a slight difference in texture to the ground. Also,
things like changes in relief are communicated easily through the
cane.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Very best wishes,
Sandra.

-- 
Sandra Gayer DipABRSM, LRSM.

Soprano Singer
www.sandragayer.com

Broadcast Presenter
www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk/music-box.html

Actor
www.visablepeople.com

Voiceover Artist
www.archangelvoices.co.uk/content/sandra-gayer

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