[NAGDU] Question about walking the [other] dog

Sat Feb 17 18:15:41 UTC 2018

I do sometimes walk one dog and have the other guide, but to do this the 
leashed dog has to be reasonably good on leash.  Also both dogs need to have 
a compatible pace.

I teach all my dogs, pet or guide, to stay on the sidewalk and to stop for 
curbs.  The staying on the sidewalk part is really about teaching the dog 
not to give in to distractions.  The easiest way to teach stopping at curbs 
is probably to give a treat every time you approach.  For most dogs they 
won't proceed until they've had their snack.  This can create some 
difficulties for a guide, so I'd implement some more advanced strategies, 
but for a pet that you'd like to not drag you into the street, treats at the 
curb is a solid start.

To teach loose leash walking, I like to use the lost/crazy person method. 
If you can, pick a day when your neighbors aren't home!  I like to set up 
some sort of auditory cue, like windchimes, a portable radio, even a busy 
street in the distance can work.  You need a fairly open space, like a 
parking lot, or some connecting sidewalks/driveways.  You'll be turning a 
lot and need the ability to make a lot of turns in a fairly small space. 
Use a short leash, 2 or 3 feet.  Then with dog on leash start out.  You'll 
probably make it about two steps before the dog starts pulling, turn and go 
a different direction.  In the beginning it's easiest to turn right or do an 
about face.  If you turn left, you're likely to trip on the dog.  If you 
have a dog who likes you, even a little, he's going to want to go where you 
are going so he'll make the turn and in two more steps start pulling again. 
Quickly turn a new direction.   Keep turning every time the leash goes taut. 
You will probably get dizzy and disoriented, which is why you need the space 
and the sound cue to reorient. In my experience 15 minutes of this a day 
over a week or two will have most dogs walking decently on leash.  When you 
graduate to going places on walks, keep up the practice of a quick about 
face every now and then to keep the dog paying attention to you.

Another approach is the tree method.  This one requires less physical 
energy, but way more patience, which is likely why I use the above method! 
When the dog begins pulling, you simply assume the practice of being a tree. 
No corrections, no moving, just holding onto the leash and waiting for the 
dog to realize nothing fun is happening.   When the leash is loose, you 
resume forward movement.  This will take more time, but is physically much 
easier to do.

If you are concerned with the dog bolting and getting away from you, I'd 
suggest a hands free leash or something similar.  A word of caution, if you 
are wearing a hands free leash and the dog does bolt, you have to physically 
be able to stand your ground, or you are going to be pulled right off your 
feet.

HTH
Julie
On The Go with Guide-and-Service-Dogs.com
http://www.guide-and-service-dogs.com
also find my products in the Blind Mice Mega Mall
<https://www.blindmicemegamall.com/bmm/shop/Directory_Departments?storeid=1916046>
-----Original Message----- 
From: Matt Hackert via NAGDU
Sent: Saturday, February 17, 2018 11:24 AM
To: NAGDU at nfbnet.org
Cc: Matt Hackert
Subject: [NAGDU] Question about walking the [other] dog

Good morning, fellow dog guide users,
I have a question, not pertaining so much to guide dogs as it pertains to 
non-visual work with pets. I have my Seeing Eye dog Igloo, and his 
performance is great. But our family adopted an additional member over the 
summer, a rescue dog, most likely a Dane-Mastiff mix, but we don't know for 
sure. Anyway, she's definitely high energy, and is experiencing cabin fever, 
evidenced by the fact that she is frequently finding her way out of the 
fence.

Here's my question: does anybody have suggestions for a safe way to walk the 
dog, which is not a guide? I have no sight or light perception, so it would 
either have to be both dogs, or the puppy and a cane. She's strong though, 
and not totally accustomed to loose leash walking yet, and I could easily 
imagine a situation where I could lose my grip on her and/or my cane.

Thoughts/suggestions?

Much appreciated,
Matt

E-mail me @ matt.hackert at gmail.com

Sent from my iPhone
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