[NAGDU] Questions from a Potential Guide Dog User
Elise Berkley
bravaegf711 at gmail.com
Fri May 10 21:18:47 UTC 2019
On 5/10/19, nagdu-request at nfbnet.org <nagdu-request at nfbnet.org> wrote:
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> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: NAGDU Digest, Vol 170, Issue 7 (Peter Wolf)
> 2. Re: Sad Eyes (Elise Berkley)
> 3. Re: Intro New Dog (Tracy Carcione) (Elise Berkley)
> 4. Questions from a potential future guide dog user. (Sandra Gayer)
> 5. Re: Questions from a potential future guide dog user.
> (Aleeha Dudley)
> 6. Re: Questions from a potential future guide dog user.
> (Julie Johnson)
> 7. Re: Questions from a potential future guide dog user.
> (Nimer Jaber)
> 8. Does anyone have this (service dog) information? (Peter Wolf)
> 9. Re: Does anyone have this (service dog) information?
> (Danielle Sykora)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Thu, 9 May 2019 06:18:06 -0700
> From: Peter Wolf <pwolf1 at wolfskills.com>
> To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] NAGDU Digest, Vol 170, Issue 7
> Message-ID: <F6E7FB57-B309-4EFB-95F1-6BEA03BFD23C at wolfskills.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> Hi Jess,
>
> Congratulations!
> Peter
>> On May 8, 2019, at 5:00 AM, nagdu-request at nfbnet.org wrote:
>>
>> Send NAGDU mailing list submissions to
>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>
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>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>> than "Re: Contents of NAGDU digest..."
>>
>>
>> Today's Topics:
>>
>> 1. Intro New Dog (searsdiaz at gmail.com)
>> 2. Re: Intro New Dog (Madison Martin)
>> 3. Sad Eyes (Elise Berkley)
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 1
>> Date: Tue, 7 May 2019 15:48:45 -0400
>> From: <searsdiaz at gmail.com>
>> To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: [NAGDU] Intro New Dog
>> Message-ID: <02c301d5050d$e2166590$a64330b0$@gmail.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>
>> Hello,
>>
>> I thought I would stop by to introduce my first Seeing Eye dog Shannon.
>> I'm
>> in class right now. She is a 2 year old half golden/cross. She is about
>> 56.5
>> lbs. To say I am completely sold and impressed with Seeing Eye's training
>> is
>> an understatement. Nothing but amazing and positive training methods
>> without
>> food which is what I wanted. I've had 2 previous guides from other
>> schools
>> and the food method for me just is not something I want to contend with
>> any
>> longer. Thanks for reading.
>>
>> Jess
>>
>>
>>
>> ---
>> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
>> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 2
>> Date: Tue, 7 May 2019 20:28:33 -0500
>> From: "Madison Martin" <maddymartin at mymts.net>
>> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog
>> Users'" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Intro New Dog
>> Message-ID: <001501d5053d$5a3c1a90$0eb44fb0$@mymts.net>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>
>> Hi Jessica,
>> Congrads on your new guide!! What's her temperament like so far? Look
>> forward to hearing more about you and your new guide! Take care,
>> Madison
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jessica Diaz
>> via
>> NAGDU
>> Sent: May-07-19 2:49 PM
>> To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> Cc: searsdiaz at gmail.com
>> Subject: [NAGDU] Intro New Dog
>>
>> Hello,
>>
>> I thought I would stop by to introduce my first Seeing Eye dog Shannon.
>> I'm
>> in class right now. She is a 2 year old half golden/cross. She is about
>> 56.5
>> lbs. To say I am completely sold and impressed with Seeing Eye's training
>> is
>> an understatement. Nothing but amazing and positive training methods
>> without
>> food which is what I wanted. I've had 2 previous guides from other
>> schools
>> and the food method for me just is not something I want to contend with
>> any
>> longer. Thanks for reading.
>>
>> Jess
>>
>>
>>
>> ---
>> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
>> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>> _______________________________________________
>> NAGDU mailing list
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>> NAGDU:
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>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 3
>> Date: Tue, 7 May 2019 20:13:15 -0700
>> From: Elise Berkley <bravaegf711 at gmail.com>
>> To: nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: [NAGDU] Sad Eyes
>> Message-ID:
>> <CAJu6SLOEHUPuWbFesyaXfqXdnEmxt-rP0VaC3nfcW=DW0M1pCQ at mail.gmail.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>>
>> Hello, listers.
>> I always wondered why do labs go into "sad eyes" mode. I understand
>> sometime their eyes are like big, brown buttons and other times, they
>> have some white in them, giving them a sad look. Can anyone broaden my
>> knowledge of this? Thanks.
>> Elise and Becky
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Subject: Digest Footer
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> NAGDU mailing list
>> NAGDU at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> End of NAGDU Digest, Vol 170, Issue 7
>> *************************************
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Thu, 9 May 2019 07:10:29 -0700
> From: Elise Berkley <bravaegf711 at gmail.com>
> To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Sad Eyes
> Message-ID:
> <CAJu6SLOt1Cy0Tf6Eozw66vtP9n9Tw1Hc5d8BCxc4NmfBScT2Rw at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> On 5/9/19, nagdu-request at nfbnet.org <nagdu-request at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Send NAGDU mailing list submissions to
>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>
>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>> nagdu-request at nfbnet.org
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>> You can reach the person managing the list at
>> nagdu-owner at nfbnet.org
>>
>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>> than "Re: Contents of NAGDU digest..."
>>
>>
>> Today's Topics:
>>
>> 1. Re: Sad Eyes (dchandler001 at carolina.rr.com)
>> 2. Re: Intro New Dog (Tracy Carcione)
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 1
>> Date: Wed, 8 May 2019 14:04:01 +0000
>> From: <dchandler001 at carolina.rr.com>
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Elise Berkley <bravaegf711 at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Sad Eyes
>> Message-ID: <20190508140401.VQCXW.145451.root at dnvrco-web27>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>>
>> I have a lab golden cross and she's not at all overweight but her face has
>> a
>> somewhat jowly look. I think some people think this makes the dog look
>> sad.
>> She's very happy nevertheless.
>> Deb and Tally
>> ---- Elise Berkley via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> Hello, listers.
>>> I always wondered why do labs go into "sad eyes" mode. I understand
>>> sometime their eyes are like big, brown buttons and other times, they
>>> have some white in them, giving them a sad look. Can anyone broaden my
>>> knowledge of this? Thanks.
>>> Elise and Becky
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NAGDU mailing list
>>> NAGDU at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NAGDU:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/dchandler001%40carolina.rr.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 2
>> Date: Wed, 8 May 2019 10:45:55 -0400
>> From: "Tracy Carcione" <carcione at access.net>
>> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog
>> Users'" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Intro New Dog
>> Message-ID: <011001d505ac$be18d570$3a4a8050$@access.net>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>
>> Hi Jess.
>> Congratulations! Bet she's really cute. Is she black or yellow? My
>> cross
>> is yellow--a big blond.
>> Good luck in class.
>> Tracy
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jessica Diaz
>> via
>> NAGDU
>> Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2019 3:49 PM
>> To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> Cc: searsdiaz at gmail.com
>> Subject: [NAGDU] Intro New Dog
>>
>> Hello,
>>
>> I thought I would stop by to introduce my first Seeing Eye dog Shannon.
>> I'm
>> in class right now. She is a 2 year old half golden/cross. She is about
>> 56.5
>> lbs. To say I am completely sold and impressed with Seeing Eye's training
>> is
>> an understatement. Nothing but amazing and positive training methods
>> without
>> food which is what I wanted. I've had 2 previous guides from other
>> schools
>> and the food method for me just is not something I want to contend with
>> any
>> longer. Thanks for reading.
>>
>> Jess
>>
>>
>>
>> ---
>> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
>> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>> _______________________________________________
>> NAGDU mailing list
>> NAGDU at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NAGDU:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/carcione%40access.net
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Subject: Digest Footer
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> NAGDU mailing list
>> NAGDU at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> End of NAGDU Digest, Vol 170, Issue 8
>> *************************************
>>
> Thanks, Chandler.
> Elise and Becky
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Thu, 9 May 2019 07:16:43 -0700
> From: Elise Berkley <bravaegf711 at gmail.com>
> To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Intro New Dog (Tracy Carcione)
> Message-ID:
> <CAJu6SLNqNrw4ZNS-zR5pW2m2qUKc+SfD4K2VQci0eqL+z7REmA at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> Hello, Tracy.
> I hope the best for you and Shannon. Yes, I will agree, the food
> reinforcement is hard to break; but, I have had Becky for 4 years now,
> and the trend has been broken. She is good with love when she does
> something good. Take care and have fun!
> Elise and Becky
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Thu, 9 May 2019 21:43:53 +0100
> From: Sandra Gayer <sandragayer7 at gmail.com>
> To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [NAGDU] Questions from a potential future guide dog user.
> Message-ID:
> <CAJcYH6_x_yAG+g1HjCMQbha9OqrTJ8+kknDM_GpTxAYrrMPw6A at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> 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
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Thu, 9 May 2019 15:58:39 -0500
> From: Aleeha Dudley <blindcowgirl1993 at gmail.com>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Questions from a potential future guide dog user.
> Message-ID: <BAB1C876-7713-4D9F-AD0D-6384490D1780 at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> Hi Sandra,
> I have been using a guide dog for almost 5 years now and am also a
> proficient cane user. Here are some things I?ve ound
> First, if I am in a situation where I cannot tell what is in front of me and
> my dog has stopped moving because they can?t find a way around, I carry a
> small telescoping cane that I can use to figure out what is in our way.
> Better my cane be broken than my face. :)
> I learned very quickly to feel under my feet for the elevation changes and
> listen for openings in walls or other landmarks. The dog will also learn to
> recognize familiar turns or landmarks and indicate them with a turn of the
> head or by pausing.
> While dogs enjoy routine, there are many dogs that are adaptable to new
> situations and new routes. My dog is one of these dogs. She loves new areas
> and situations, and would be very happy if we travelled a lot. Some dogs?
> routines are, for lack of a better phrase, the lack of routine, if that
> makes sense.
> I hope this helps with some of your concerns.
> Aleeha Dudley
>
>> On May 9, 2019, at 3:43 PM, Sandra Gayer via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>
>> 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
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> NAGDU mailing list
>> NAGDU at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NAGDU:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/blindcowgirl1993%40gmail.com
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Thu, 9 May 2019 16:28:52 -0500
> From: "Julie Johnson" <julielj at neb.rr.com>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Questions from a potential future guide dog user.
> Message-ID: <F6E9DC2B861E43ACA300AB2D40A7BD20 at JuliePC>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
>
> 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
>
> _______________________________________________
> NAGDU mailing list
> NAGDU at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NAGDU:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/julielj%40neb.rr.com
>
>
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
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>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Thu, 9 May 2019 15:01:02 -0700
> From: Nimer Jaber <nimerjaber1 at gmail.com>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Questions from a potential future guide dog user.
> Message-ID:
> <CAF2O2CyXHAXKx2FLDR4k_esU6odprokE2KqGr2a9w_Lhry41kg at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> Hello,
>
> Please find my responses below.
>
> On Thu, May 9, 2019 at 1:45 PM Sandra Gayer via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
>
>> 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.
>>
> Yeur questions are welcome, so please ask. It is important to learn what
> you can in order to discover whether this lifestyle is right for you. No
> need for apologies, and you can't ask a dim question.
>
>>
>> I know guide dogs are taught to guide you around obstacles and find a
>> clear rout but, what if there is no clear rout?
>>
> If there is not a clear route, the dog will zigzag until they get through.
> If there is absolutely no way through, they will stop generally, and they
> will expect input from you to determine what to do. they may try to turn
> around. This depends on the situation and the dog, and how the dog was
> trained to handle these things, or if it was at all.
>
>>
>> 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?
>>
> Some dogs walk in the center. Some hug the right edge, and many hug the
> left edge. To answer your question, I don't find it disorienting at all.
> But this depends on you, and the queues you are used to using to navigate
> your environment. Let me try to explain a bit better:
>
> When i was growing up, I did not know about canes, I hated canes when I
> discovered them, and made it a point to lose them, throw them, and sell
> them to others to use as they wished. When i walked, I just walked. I did
> not trail, I just walked. I paid a lot of attention to sounds, textures,
> smells, etc while walking. I was able to learn a lot from echo location
> about my environment... I was even able to ride a bike using echo location
> and my form of navigation. I did trip and fall, I am not and was not
> superman, but I got up and kept going.
>
> This leads me to the question at hand. the way I have always navigated lent
> itself well to dog travel. Why? because the skills of environmental
> observation which I used to get around are exactly the skills an individual
> develops and uses for guide dog travel. This is a struggle for individuals
> who learned to trail, who learned routes by counting turns or whatever, and
> who did not learn to generalize routes or environmental information. this
> is a huge problem with Orientation and Mobility today, particularly many
> sighted instructors. It is important to not learn routes. It is important
> to learn concepts of navigation.
>
> Anyway, the answer to your question is probably yes, you may be disorinted
> at first. Dogs navigate around many of the environmental clues that you may
> be used to using. However as you build your confidence and proficiency, you
> will begin utilizing different clues. Sounds, elevation changes, smells,
> the feel of the ground under your feet, time/distance, and other clues,
> along with possibly GPS aids will become your friend. And your dog will be
> your ally in the world of navigating the world. With the enhanced skills
> and your dog's training, you will do well.
>
> I do trail sometimes, even now, particularly when trying to find a tight
> turn or an entrance, but most of the time, telling my dog "left left" or
> right right" followed with a hand motion and rarely, a bit of persuasion
> with my voice and a leash tug suffices to make those turns and find those
> entrances.
>
>>
>> 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?
>>
> in my experience with dog handling, owners who state that their dogs thrive
> on a routine really are saying that they themselves are resistant to
> change, and thrive on routine. I am not minimizng anyone else's
> experiences, or at least I am not trying to. In my experience though, the
> dog follows your lead. if you are relaxed, calm, and alive, your dog will
> be relaxed even if you are walking into a crazy situation or place. if you
> are not... well, your dog won't be either.
>
> Some things to think about would be a routine for deeding... dogs loooooove
> food, or at least many do. A routine for taking the dog out would be
> helpful as well. And a routine or habit, even if it is not at the exact
> time each day, of playing with your dog, massaging your dog, bonding with
> your dog, grooming your dog is very important. Your dog is a living being,
> not something you can put aside and ignore whenever you feel like it just
> so that you can sing and act. Still, with the proper planning and
> attention, your dog will be just fine.
>
>>
>> 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.
>>
> In rare situations, I I'll use a cane. I almost always carry a cane with me
> just in case I need it, just in case my dog gets injured. I will never
> allow myself to be stuck in a situation I cannot get out of. But it isn't
> usually to detect cracks or elevation changes. those things are usually
> detectable through the harness handle. If you have a dog with a good pull,
> and you spend time reading the dog's movements and learning to dance with
> your dog, you will know and feel even slight movements and indications.
> Your dog will read you too, and they will pick up on the fact that they may
> need to slow slightly at elevation changes or something. At first, you may
> be stumbling and it may be frustrating. You may even take a fall. but
> things do get better, a lot better.
>
>>
>> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>>
> Please reach out with any further questions.
>
>> 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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>>
>
>
> --
> Best,
>
> Nimer Jaber
>
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>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 8
> Date: Thu, 9 May 2019 17:05:28 -0700
> From: Peter Wolf <pwolf1 at wolfskills.com>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [NAGDU] Does anyone have this (service dog) information?
> Message-ID: <628273B6-B6CB-4B94-B697-49C680FBC5BD at wolfskills.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> Hi friends,
>
> We?re going back over to Europe soon. We?ve had successful experiences
> there.
>
> As you know, Metukah works with my vision. That?s obvious because of my
> cane and gear. But as I?ve mentioned, my wife also teams with a working
> dog. But it?s for head injury/navigation issues, not vision. We recently
> heard that in Europe, someone had an access issue (in a couple of locations)
> where they were told their dog?s vest had ?the wrong color?. I?ve never
> heard of this, except recently. In eight working team years, none of us
> have had that issue here, or when we?ve travelled. At least not yet.
> Frankly, it?s all about the working relationship, not a vest, to us. We
> wouldn?t care if changing colors helped us out there, where there is a
> narrower access window than we have here. (For example, service or not,
> we?ll pay a ?dog fee? for hotels. However, many of them are dog friendly.
> Here in the US because of ?pet? behavior, we only tell a hotel we?re coming
> with a working dog *after* being assigned a clean room, so we don?t get a
> room that dogs have misbehaved in). Anyhow, do any of you know about this,
> and what ?color? seems to be more culturally acceptable over there in the
> EU, or specific counries within it? We?re going to Switzerland, Italy, and
> possibly France and Germany on the back end. I would never put up with this
> here, but rules are different over there.
>
> Thanks,
> Peter
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 9
> Date: Thu, 9 May 2019 21:26:28 -0400
> From: Danielle Sykora <dsykora29 at gmail.com>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Does anyone have this (service dog) information?
> Message-ID: <F820777A-3413-4AF3-B4D7-535DF3EF38DC at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> This isn't really answering your question, but I was just told less than a
> week ago that my dog wasn't a service dog because her vest wasn't a specific
> color, in the US. Well she doesn't wear a vest at all if we are being
> technical. I know a service dog handler with a psychiatric service dog who
> spent a semester in Italy last year and she didn't run into any situation
> where the color of the vest was brought up.
> You might find that if a particular country has service dogs primarily from
> one program, people might be more familiar with whatever color that program
> uses.
> Danielle
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On May 9, 2019, at 8:05 PM, Peter Wolf via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Hi friends,
>>
>> We?re going back over to Europe soon. We?ve had successful experiences
>> there.
>>
>> As you know, Metukah works with my vision. That?s obvious because of my
>> cane and gear. But as I?ve mentioned, my wife also teams with a working
>> dog. But it?s for head injury/navigation issues, not vision. We recently
>> heard that in Europe, someone had an access issue (in a couple of
>> locations) where they were told their dog?s vest had ?the wrong color?.
>> I?ve never heard of this, except recently. In eight working team years,
>> none of us have had that issue here, or when we?ve travelled. At least
>> not yet. Frankly, it?s all about the working relationship, not a vest, to
>> us. We wouldn?t care if changing colors helped us out there, where there
>> is a narrower access window than we have here. (For example, service or
>> not, we?ll pay a ?dog fee? for hotels. However, many of them are dog
>> friendly. Here in the US because of ?pet? behavior, we only tell a hotel
>> we?re coming with a working dog *after* being assigned a clean room, so we
>> don?t get a room that dogs have misbehaved in). Anyhow, do any of you
>> know about this, and what ?color? seems to be more culturally acceptable
>> over there in the EU, or specific counries within it? We?re going to
>> Switzerland, Italy, and possibly France and Germany on the back end. I
>> would never put up with this here, but rules are different over there.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Peter
>> _______________________________________________
>> NAGDU mailing list
>> NAGDU at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NAGDU:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/dsykora29%40gmail.com
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
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> ------------------------------
>
> End of NAGDU Digest, Vol 170, Issue 9
> *************************************
>
Hello, Sandra.
I have had my guide dog for 4 years now and, believe it or not, I was
visually impaired for 15 years before I decided to get a guide. When I
first got her, I was so nervous because I felt like my travel control
was out of my hands and in this animal. But, the way they train them,
and most importantly the bond you will grow with your guide, makes it
really pleasurable. I wanted to add that whenever we come to a decline
in the sidewalk, incline, a bump in the sidewalk, and even obstacles
on the walk (sticks, piles of leaves, etc.), Becky will stop. When she
stops, I drag my foot from straight out and pull it back in to me.
This way, I can feel what is in front of us. If I don't feel anything,
I use my cane, feel what is in front of us, and give her the "forward"
command to keep going. She will walk us around the obstacle, and we
are on our way. Becky will even stop and "show" me if there are
low-hanging branches branches from a tree. It took quite a while for
me to become comfortable with all of this, but I can travel faster,
and don't feel vulnerable when I travel.
Take your time to make this decision for your life. Take care and keep
us updated on your decisions.
Elise and Becky
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