[NOBE-L] Guide Dogs in the Classroom

[Rena Seay]

Good  morning,

I have worked in education for the last 20 years with a guide dog. I've
always managed to win over terrified students and staff. Most of what
you've said has worked for me in the past. Recently, there was a new para
in my class and she was the most scared I've ever seen. One of the
things that helped was having me of on tiedown and holding the leash at the
same time. I think it gave the it showed that I could control the dog if
the tie-down happened to fail. it took a while but several times of this
behavior worked in my case. You might also try showing her a video of guide
dogs working. I'm sure she has seen your dog work but it might be helpful
to see there are many dogs trained to be a good guide dog. Prayer for the
whole situation.

Blessings,
Rena Tuttle

On Wed, Apr 21, 2021 at 8:33 AM Greg Aikens via NOBE-L <nobe-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> That is tough. I often kept a soft crate in my classroom for my guide dog.
> I wonder if having the simple barrier of the crate between the dog and the
> student would help the student relax a little bit more.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Apr 21, 2021, at 9:18 AM, Tara Abella via NOBE-L <nobe-l at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hello everyone,
> >
> > For those teachers who have a guide dog in the classroom, I was
> wondering if any of you have dealt with severe dog phobias. I just received
> a new 2nd grade student Who has had previous negative experiences with
> dogs, and is so afraid of my guide dog, that every time she sees him she
> will either climb on adults and dig her fingernails into our arms, or run
> from the classroom. Aladdin is on tiedown in the classroom on his beanbag
> on the opposite side of the room from where she sits. We have explained his
> job, and myself, several other staff, and students in the school have
> reassured her that he will not harm her. She has observed him working and
> has also seen him off harness at the end of the day interacting with other
> students. I have tried giving her a stuffed toy that she likes that she can
> hug for comfort to replace the running behaviors and climbing on adults,
> but we are still having these issues.  I have had students with fears in
> the past, but typically the students quickly grow accustomed to him since
> he is so quiet and well behaved. Any suggestions on how to make her feel
> more comfortable and overcome this fear would be so helpful.
> >
> > Thank you,
> >
> >
> >
> > Tara Abella
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-- 
Rena A. Tuttle
(325)733-8215
rena.s at acu.edu