[nagdu] Poodles and other Cute Breeds

Thu Oct 30 03:46:38 UTC 2014

Rebecca and all, please try to read the entire thread before replying. There
was more information further down the thread that suggested that it was not
just aches and pains.
As with many subjects, there are two sides to this coin, so I am going to
address both issues brought up here.
Controlling our dogs:
Yes, we all have bad days. I do not remember that many, but that is probably
because people were understanding. Dogs are not perfect, so, yes, sometimes
we do need to give them some slack.
On the flip side, we are responsible for our dogs. I knew that a dog was
going to be a lot of work when I got one, but I was willing to do that work.
If you are not willing to take care of and control a dog, then don't get
one. JMHO, if you have enough sight to fairly safely navigate without a cane
to the point that you can avoid obstacles at all levels and detect elevation
changes, then you probably don't need a dog. Guide dogs are mobility aids
first and foremost; they are not for attracting attention. If someone is
just bringing the dog along for the show, then that person probably should
not have a dog. Some of the schools do have the trainees where blindfolds if
they think that the person will not trust the dog.
So do you tell the school? It really depends. Some people will take advice
from others and some will not. Sometimes, talking to the school is the only
thing that can be done, especially if multiple people have asked a person
multiple times to get control of a dog.

Corrections in public:
In general, there seems to be a major misconception about working dogs being
abused that goes all the way from just the dogs working in the first place
to people using corrections. People seem to get over worked when they see a
dog being corrected. They often do not understand that what is considered
normal pet behavior is not acceptable for a guide dog. Can it be over done?
Most certainly, especially if a certain type of correction is being used
and/or a certain type of equipment is being used. Also, JMHO, corrections
should only be used if there is no better option and/or you know 100% that
the dog knows why he/she is being corrected. People also sometimes forget
that our dogs can tell when we are nervous or angry. So it kind of becomes a
vicious circle. A dog messes up, so the handler gets mad and gives the dog a
correction. Detecting that the handler is distressed, the dog continues to
perform badly, thus causing the handler to give more corrections. So, no,
corrections are not always the answer, especially if it is not the dog's
fault.

Nicole

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Star Gazer via
nagdu
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 10:55 AM
To: 'Darla'; 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog
Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Poodles and other Cute Breeds

		Darla,
I'm wondering if maybe her motor skills are starting to fade, or she's got
some aches and pains she is struggling with? Seeing your own body break down
is scary. 
Is this person a friend? If she is, maybe try to figure out what's going on?

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Darla via nagdu
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 1:06 PM
To: 'The Pawpower Pack'; 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of
Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Poodles and other Cute Breeds

Hi Rox'e,

This individual **does** know better which is precisely why I am so pissed;
she has a lot of travel vision, and I won't presume to know, for sure, but I
suspect she doesn't really "use" the dog, if you get my drift.

Shit!!!!  I'm the last one to go to a person's program; the more they are
out of my business and everyone else's the better, but I did say something
to this person several times, and all she did was haul the dog back with the
leash--no verbal correction; no distract with something else--she just sat
there like a lump and allowed the dog to pretty much do what it wanted--at
times like that, I do wish someone from their school would see them, but if
You have been selected to get a dog, it is assumed that you are mature
enough to handle it.

I'm one of the last people in the world to say I'm a perfect handler, but I
strive to be a good handler, so my person along with my dogs are always
welcomed wherever we go, but I won't room with her again, nor will I sit at
her table; she is older than you and I, too--I guess it's hard for people to
realize there are so handlers that just don't care what their dog is doing
at the end of that leash.
Darla & Happy Huck

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of The Pawpower Pack
via nagdu
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 11:46 AM
To: Julie J.; NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog
Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Poodles and other Cute Breeds

Julie,
This is so well said!  I hear many handlers talking about advocating for
equal and adult-like treatment from programs. But then, at the first sign of
trouble, many people go running straight to the program, like big brother,
and not even ask the handler about the behaviors in a kind, non-judging way.

Everyone has, at one time, either made mistakes with their dog, or the dog
has had a bad day, or has had  some issues, either because of an attack or
what have you.  The person who says their dogs are perfect all the time is
full of hooey!  So then, if we have all had a rough time of it at some
point, do we then treat one another like children.  We can not do this and
then expect programs not to follow our lead.  
Darla, I realize you were not doing this and I wish you the best. You are a
kind and compassionate person, This kind of thing is never easy. 

 Rox and the kitchen Bitches: 
Mill'E, Laveau, Soleil
Pawpower4me at gmail.com
Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 27, 2014, at 11:03 AM, "Julie J. via nagdu" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
wrote:
> 
> Over the years I've seen a lot of pretty harsh criticisms of other
handlers. There have been detailed descriptions of what they did wrong and
idle chat about reporting them to their school or the manager at the
business or the leader of the organization.  It really bothers me.  It's
like kindergarteners tattling to the teacher.  If it's a person you know,
why can't you pull them aside and speak to them privately.  Yes, it's
uncomfortable.  Yes, it's awkward.  And yes, it's what responsible,
compassionate and supportive adults do.  Isn't that what we all want, to be
supportive of each other?  What's wrong with telling the person straight out
something like, "I care about you and I want to continue to be friends. When
you let your dog wander about it bothers me.  What can I do to help and
support you?"
> 
> When I was at convention with Jetta and she was sniffing 
> inappropriately,
I really appreciated when Kayde let me know.  She was kind about it.  I
wasn't offended at all.  I think she said something like, "Jetta is sniffing
me. It doesn't bother me, but I know you  are working on good manners with
her." I so appreciated that.  It gave me the information I needed, was very
respectful and allowed me the opportunity to remedy the situation.
> 
> Julie
> 
> 
> 
> 
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