[NAGDU] factors considered when matching a guide dog

[Tracy Carcione]

Thanks Rox.  That makes sense.
Tracy


-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Rox Homstad via
NAGDU
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2020 11:05 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: Rox Homstad
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] factors considered when matching a guide dog

Hi Tracy,
I interpreted that as how firm is the dog about making sure you are ok
before going down steps. For example some dogs will show you the step and
you can say forward and they will immediately set off. Where as other dogs
are slower and more cautious. My dogs won't go down steps until I am holding
the rail, if I am not holding the rail they won't go no matter how many
times I tell them to go.  They will also only go one step at a time and will
wait until I'm balanced to do the next one, where as some dogs just step one
after the other without stopping.
Just my thoughts though and I could be wrong.


Rox'E and the Kitchen Bitches
Soleil, Rowan, Phoenix
pawpower4me at gmail.com

> On Jan 24, 2020, at 9:39 AM, Tracy Carcione via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
wrote:
> 
> Hi Madison.
> That was interesting, though I wonder what they mean by saying part of
their
> matching is assessment of the dog's reliability with steps and overhead
> obstacles.  Do they say "Well, this guy can see a bit, so it's OK if the
dog
> drags him down some steps or smashes his head into something."?  NOT!
> Tracy
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Madison Martin
> via NAGDU
> Sent: Wednesday, January 22, 2020 4:14 PM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Cc: Madison Martin
> Subject: [NAGDU] factors considered when matching a guide dog
> 
> Hi all,
> I just read an interesting article in a monthly guide dog newsletter that
I
> receive from a Canadian guide dog school. It talked about what factors
they
> consider when matching an applicant with a guide dog. Here's the link to
the
> article:
> https://cnib.cmail19.com/t/d-l-xutykut-jiujfiyih-k/>
> If you don't want to click on the link then here's the text of the
article:
> 
> Inside Scoop: Matching a guide dog with someone who is blind 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> By Ben Francis, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, CNIB Guide Dogs
> 
> Guide Dog Mobility Instructors are often asked: "How does the matching
> process work, when it comes to selecting the right dog for each person?"
> 
> CNIB Guide Dogs has a pre-matching process that is completed during the
> interview stage, whether the applicant is replacing a previous guide dog
or
> applying for their first one. This information is crucial because it helps
> us select a dog that will meet the specific needs of the individual. So,
> what are the key factors that we consider when matching a guide dog with
> someone who is blind?
> 
> Physical Compatibility - The dog should be compatible with the handler's
> build. A dog that is too small may have difficulty guiding a larger
person.
> A dog that is too large may present control issues, as it can learn to use
> its weight to its advantage.
> 
> Temperamental Compatibility - Most of the dog's life will be spent out of
> harness, so it's important that the handler is compatible with the dog.
The
> dog should be a pleasure to be around, and he or she should not be a
> nuisance. Some of the factors range from nervous to relaxed, excitable to
> calm, energetic to lethargic and adventurous to conservative.
> 
> Guiding and Following - When assessing the potential partnership for
guiding
> the following compatibility, we look at:
> .the speed of the handler and the dog
> .the dog's willingness to accept physical contact, poor balance or an
uneven
> gait from the handler, slow or reluctant following and variations in
> reflexes .the dog's sensitivity levels - body, hearing and mental
> sensitivities must be assessed to ensure the dog and handler are
compatible.
> For example, a handler who is quiet with a high-energy dog may experience
> control issues and be ineffective.
> .the dog's ability to accept the handler's natural handle tension and grip
> .the dog's reliability when dealing with hazards, such as steps, traffic
or
> overhead obstacles, which can pose a challenge to the handler
> 
> If handlers have a specific breed, colour, size or gender of dog that they
> strongly prefer, these attributes should be considered during the matching
> process. While specific preferences can't always be accommodated, it can
> often affect the handler's motivation and perseverance to build a bond and
> work well with the dog. However, having a specific preference may affect
the
> wait time for receiving a match.
> 
> Partnering with a guide dog is a 50/50 relationship. As a Guide Dog
Mobility
> Instructor, it's important to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the
> handler and dog to create a successful partnership.
> 
> I'm guessing that all schools consider the same factors when it comes to
> matching a guide dog with an approved applicant, right? Just curioyus
that's
> all. Thanks 
> Madison
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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