[nagdu] Missing guide dog found struck by car

[Wayne Merritt]

Something else to keep in mind is how much of a hold you have on the
leash. Once, when out relieving my first guide, I was changing the
SeeignEye's leash from a long to a short one, and the dog saw
something and bolted. I first stood there not believing that it
happened, attempted to call him, and then went back in the house and
called one of my relatives to come and help me look. About 15 minutes
later, the doorbell rang and a neighbor was standing there with my
dog, asking if it was mine. I was never so relieved to see that dog
ever in my life than at that moment. So when you're taking your dogs
out for whatever reason, it's good to maintain a good hold on the
leash. Or,  ikf you're going to stand still, then wrap it around an
arm or leg. Anything's possible, but if it's around a leg, then
there's less of a chance of the dog bolting before you know about it.

Wayne

On 5/24/09, Julie J <julielj at windstream.net> wrote:
> I find it interesting that guide dogs in other countries are allowed to run
> off leash.  the programs there train a totally reliable recall with a
> whistle.
>
> Monty has an amazing recall.  But I really can't claim credit, he came to me
> with it.  I've just practiced it.  He has gotten out three times, I think.
> I just call him and he comes immediately to me at top speed.
>
> Julie
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "The Pawpower Pack" <pawpower4me at gmail.com>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 3:19 PM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Missing guide dog found struck by car
>
>
>> Tami,
>>
>> I agree with you about lots of off leash time for training purposes.   I
>> think, sometimes, especially with assistance dogs that off leash  time is
>> such a rare treat that when a dog gets loose he is too busy  experiencing
>> all those fun things like sniffing and running free and  doing those
>> things is not as rewarding as returning to the handler.
>>
>> I work on recall from day one with my dogs, and make the recall a very
>> high-value exercise.
>>
>> Also with my border collie, I did some herding and I needed to be able  to
>>
>> call her off of the sheep to return to me; training her to do this
>> ensured she has a fantastic recall.
>>
>> I do think it's important to keep dogs secured etc. but accidents do
>> happen, sadly.
>>
>>
>> Rox and the Kitchen Bitches
>>
>> Bristol (retired), Mill'E SD. and Laveau Guide Dog, CGC.
>> "Life breaks us all, but afterwards, many of us are strongest at the
>> broken places." -- Ernest Hemingway
>>  pawpower4me at gmail.com
>>
>> MSN: Brisomania at Hotmail.com
>> AIM: Brissysgirl Yahoo: lillebriss
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>
>
>
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