[NAGDU] guide dogs and unfamiliar routes

[Dan Weiner]

I just think as everyone said, go ahead with whatever you feel comfortable
doing and don't pay attention to any nay-sayers.

I've met people who say they use the cane in unfamiliar environments, if it
works for them that's fine, though honestly I've found it is oof very little
use to go over an outdoor environment with a cane before I usee a dog. I've
sometimes gone over in door environments with a cane, say my office when I
was working to know every nok and cranny, every chair and so on, or maybe a
classroom.  But for travel basically it's the dog if I'm using a dog and
maybe a folding cane in my backpack if I really need to check something.

Warmest regards,

Dan the man, Parker the hound

 

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie McGinnity
via NAGDU
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2016 10:38 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: Julie McGinnity
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] guide dogs and unfamiliar routes

Hi all,

I agree with what's been said...  And I'll take it a step further...

We should expect that we will get lost with our dogs.  It will happen at
least once, if not multiple times.  And we must know how our dogs react to
this.  Of course, it is ideal to know exactly where we're going so that we
can give our dog clear directions, but navigating the world can be rather
like navigating life.  We do not always know where we're going, even when we
think we do.

So do you know how your dog reacts when you're lost.  My first dog would
work but got really stressed out.  My current dog probably thinks it's a
game and loves it because I ask him for more targets when I don't know
what's around me.  As long as I tell him he's a good boy, he's on board.  :)

These dogs should have the training to work with us under a majority of the
circumstances in which we find ourselves.  There is no reason we should be
afraid of working them in new environments or expect that we will always no
where we are headed when we're using our dogs.  If you feel more comfortable
with your cane in a new environment and wish to use it, then go for it.  But
if you would rather work the dog, or if you want your dog with you for the
rest of the travel involved in your plans, then excellent.  In the end,
Aleeha, you know yourself and your dog best, and that matters the most.

On 4/19/16, Star Gazer via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 				The dog should do what it's told, in that
your commands should be 
> conveyed in a manner that is easy for you and that the dog can understand.
> Who is pushing back and why do you care? I mean, if it's the mail man, 
> it doesn't matter what he thinks, at least not in this situation. If 
> it's someone who trained the dog and is trying to excuse poor 
> training, then you need to decide what you'll do about it... not use a
dog? Get another dog?
> Get a dog from another school? Talk to the owner trainers to see what 
> suggestions they may have? You have a lot of options.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Aleeha 
> Dudley via NAGDU
> Sent: Monday, April 18, 2016 8:41 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users 
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Aleeha Dudley <blindcowgirl1993 at gmail.com>
> Subject: [NAGDU] guide dogs and unfamiliar routes
>
> Hey all,
> I'm writing to seek your opinion on something that I've been pondering 
> for a while. Do you guys find that it is reasonable to go to a brand 
> new city with your dog, get directions to go somewhere, and get there, 
> while still using the dog, even if the area is unknown? Am I wrong in 
> thinking that the dog should listen to what you need, and not have a 
> massive panic? I've gotten some push back from people on this and wanted
to see your thoughts.
> Thanks
> Aleeha
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--
Julie A. McGinnity
President, National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division, Second
Vice President, National Federation of the Blind of Missouri "For we walk by
faith, not by sight"
2 Cor. 7

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