[nagdu] Grave problems with Pilot Dogs program

[The Pawpower Pack]

Lisa,

I'm Deafblind and my dog needs to be very solid in the "follow" cue.   
I can't communicate in spoken English and signing tactually while  
walking is nearly impossible unless you are going sighted guide so my  
dog is expected to follow whom I designate.

She does not follow random people.  The "follow" cue is like any other  
cue.  If you used their logic then why teach the dog any cue because  
the dog may decide to randomly perform it such as turning left even if  
you haven't told the dog to do so.
What I notice with many dogs is that they like the "follow" cue  
because it is less work to follow someone than to actually guide and  
be focused.  We all like to take the easy rout, dogs included.
I'm very lucky and probably different than most on this list.  My dog  
is a Doberman and she does not enjoy following others.  She hates  
being forced to walk behind someone and not to make the decisions.   
Controlling? yeah, just a bit. :)
But I guess I'll keep her.

Rox and the Botanical Barkers:
Bristol (retired), Mill'E SD. and Laveau Guide Dog, CGC.
"The only problem with troubleshooting is, sometimes, trouble shoots  
back."
http://www.pawpowercreations.com
pawpower4me at gmail.com
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