Category: Animal House
Hey there. I'm going to be getting a guide dog in June (from The oregon campus of Guide Dogs to be specific), and was wondering if anyone had any advice for me before I go. Thanks.
Hey, you've already done the home interview and stuff like that?
Good luck getting a guide dog! My Mom wanted me to get one of those! We had an enterview with someone on the phone from South Eastern Guide Dog School! Or something like that! We had to send a va vedio of me walking with a cane! I went to the school they gave me a dog named Georgia! They took her away from me she walked me out in front of a parked car! They said I needed to work on my cane skills too! I'm really happy with Emma my guinea pig though lol!
Well, first of all, don't make too many demands. When they ask you if you have any preferences as to breed, color, or gender of dog, don't say; I want a black lab, a female. It's ok to let them know if you have likes and dislikes, but make it very clear that you trust their judgment, and that you are most interested in the quality of work the dog is capable of, and the quality of the partnership that you and the dog wil build. Don't feel badly if the dog doesn't bond with you right away. Remember, they are with their best friends, the other dogs in the kennel, now in class with you, and their god's the trainers and other training staff, and you are just some interloper who is seperating them from their Gods and keeping them from playing with their friends. Also, everything will be new to them, new smells, new people, different place to sleep, different sounds all around them. If they wine or act nervous or sad, don't worry. They will get used to you, and in time will come to love you, but at first they may be resentful of you, wary of you, or just down right confused around you. Don't give them extra treats, let them sleep on your bed or do anything else that is not going to be part of your long term schedule at home, just to get them to accept and like you. A few extra snacks or toys and the privilage of sleeping on your bed won't accomplish the transition any more quickly, and can even undo some of the progress that you will make with your dog. If you let them on your bed at the school and then expect them to sleep on the floor or in a doggy bed at home because you share your bed or because you just don't want to have to move the dog every time you want to move. They won't understand why the rules are different now, and may feel rejected or frustrated. If you truly and fully intend to let your dog sleep with you each and every night until that dog is retired to a new home or dies, then by all means let them on the bed, but if not, lay down the rules at the beginning and don't change them around, dogs love structure, and they won't think that you love them any less, just because you don't allow them on the bed. If after a few weeks something just doesn't feel right, talk to the trainers, speak with multiple trainers, for the best and most accurate feedback. It may be an easily correctable problem, or it may be something more serious. You don't want to be picky or demanding, but you also don't want to be so concerned with pleasing everyone and going along with the flow that you whind up at home after the program with a dog that won't work properly for you, or that just doesn't click with your personality. Don't just take the dog they give you because you are afraid of not getting another or because you think that this is the only time that you can really train with a dog. If it's not the right dog, it's not worth it. If you have a concern either about your dog or about your technique and one trainer doesn't address it, go to another trainer or to the class supervisor with the problem. If you get conflicting advice from different trainers, do what feels right for you and your dog.
Yes, I did the home interview back in March, and just got my official letter saying I got in. :) TO hthomas89, definitely make sure your cane skills are up to par like they said. Also, don't get a dog just bcause your mom wants you to. I've seen more than a few people who did it for similar reasons, and truth be told from what I've seen, dogs are not for everyone. However, if you really do want to get one, good luck to you. TO LaMusiqueDuSoirTristeEtBelle, thank you a lot for what you said. You've definitely given me a few things to consider. :) I did give them several things that I would prefer in the home interview when she asked, but I also told her that I'd trust the schools judgement in their choice.
Peace,
Miah
Well, I disagree with LaMusiqueDuSoirTristeEtBelle, though. If you feel there's something you absolutely want or do not want in a dog, let the instructors know. If you have a pretty good reason for wanting a male dog over a female one, by all means, voice your feelings. I think the more the instructors know, the easier it is for them to pair you with your perfect match. If you can't stand a licky dog, say that. If personality is more important to you than the dog's pace, don't hesitate to make that clear, too. You may want a black lab instead of a yellow for some reason. There was a woman who was in class with me who specifically requested a dark dog because she still had some usable vision and she didn't want to be tripping over him all the time, so the instructors did their best to accommodate her in that respect and gave her a darker dog. Since you're going to GDB, I can say that you really don't have to worry about being matched with the right dog, because I truly do believe they do an awesome job of it. I mean, I observed everyone else in class with their dogs and it was amazing how similar everyone's dog personality was to their own. *GRIN* Just remember to have lots of fun, and don't be afraid to take advantage of the box of Kleenex you'll have in your room. LOL!
-- Allie
Dear Miah thanks for your advice! My Mom still wants me to get a dog! I told her the other day that I'm quite happy with Emma! Thanks I'll try to work on my cane skills! Your friend, Hope
You miss understand me. I don't by any means think that you should not give the trainers preferences, but rather that you should keep them to a minimum and not be opposed to trying something that was not quite what you were hoping for. Especially to first time users, there may be things that you aren't aware of, or misconseptions that you hold that might lead you to make an uninformed decision. That is why it is important not to come into class with an "I want a black lab female with a fast pase, and who likes to play." attitude. Knowing what dog is right for one's self also ties strongly into knowing one's self. And very few of us truly know our selves, or at least know all that there is to know about our selves. We often focus overly much on our negative personality traits, putting our selves down, or the reverse, we refuse to see some of our less indearing qualities, that others can see easily. I went into class asking for a high energy, playful dog, because I am a fun-loving and energetic person. I was very insistant, and they gave me what I asked for. It was obvious however that they had a different sort of dog in mind than what I requested and was grudgingly given. It was not a good match. The dog and I were constantly competing, arguing and having battles of will of epic preportions. Sometimes it takes and objective stranger, such as a trainer to see certain personality charicteristics in you that might make one gender or breed of dog better for you. If you have had previous dogs you might be better able to make an accurate statement as to what works best for you, such as "I don't care if the dog has some minor behavioral issues when off harness, I can streighten those out, but the dog has to be a great worker." or "I need a very attached dog that won't be distracted by other people, it needs to be extreemly bonded with me, I can deal with food or other dog distractions, but the dog can't be people distracted." If you are going to ask for a spacific breed, type or color, it is always a good idea to tell the trainers why. That way, if your reason isn't a good one, or you are opperating under an incorrect assumption they can inform you and you can make a better informed decission. For example if you tell them that you want a black lab because they shed less, because you have heard this from someone else, the trainer can tell you that the color doesn't effect the amount of shedding in the least. If you were under the impression that male dogs are going to mark all over your house, which is not true at all, the trainer can allay that concern and help you to make a better judgment. As I said, this is especially true for first time guide dog users.
Just stay calm, don't let the class or the trainers stress you out. Just take time to get to know the new doggie, and definitely let the instructors know if you need help. And I think you should let them know if there's something you especially want or do not want in a dog.
I've always wanted a dog since I was in sixth-form, but I'm now 22 and still nowhere near ready. I got a couple of pamphlets and stuff with loads of FAQs and facts about guide dogs. This is mainly for people in the UK because that's where I am and where I live -
Do you, have to learn two routes or four routes before you can get a guide dog? and how long does it have to take for you to walk these routes?
Strange I know, but I've had mixed messages from two or three mobility officers who work for SAVI (Surrey Associan for the Visually Impaired) and the GDBA (Guide Dogs For The Blind Association.) The lady I have for mobility now for example, said I'd have to learn four routes, each taking around 20 minutes, which especially for me, would be impossible around where I live, in the country with not many places I'd wish to go which take 20 minutes to get there, unless I walked in to town, but there's nothing worth bothering with in town either. Another mobility officer i had while I was at College, said I just had to learn two routes?
Which one's telling me the truth?
Oy vay. It's not about how many routes you know. It's about how good your cane skills are, how well you can memorize routes, weather your ability to judge trafic, and your over-all orientation is good, and whether or not you are independant, resourceful and can ask for dirrections or help when you need it. I only have one route that would qualify, in terms of being twenty minutes or longer, however I have close to twenty-five routes that are much shorter in length. It doesn't matter what sort of routes you travel, just that you get out of the house on a very regular basis. An under-worked guide dog is a miserable guide dog. Once you have a dog you'll want to just go walking. It burns callories, is fun, can help you discover new and unexpected things, and it's nice to know that you can just randomly decide that you want to go for a walk, just like a sightey. I would caussion you however, for if you live in an area that is that rural you might just not have enough oppertunity to use a dog. Some schools will give dogs to very old individuals who never really go anywhere, or to yunger people that just have no lives and thus no where to use their dogs, but I very much disagree with that practice. If you truly do have a need for a guide dog, though, then keep persuing it and things will work out for the best. I wish you luck. Both of you.
Hmmm! Suppose it's worth getting one if and when I start work. Thanks for the sound advice. Hardly ever get this from anyone these days.
I'm going to class in three weeks time. These hints and tips were very useful. Thank you.
like wise! I'm going in about four weeks. I had to fight to get into the program but that just shows that I'm motivated enough to have the dog.
good lord I didn't know people were still looking at this topic. Glad people have gotten something from it though.
Hi,
I will be going to Guide Dogs For The Blind in July for my first dog. I'll be at the San Rafael campus, and to say that I am excited is a huge understatement.
Yeah I hear you. I'm trying to not get to worked up over this otherwise I wouldn't be able to eat anything on Doggy day
five more days for me, This will be my first time flying by myself. bit nervous, but I'll be okay
Which school are you attending?
Guide Dogs for the Blind, the campus in Oregon
I find this very interesting as I too may be recieving a dog from GDB in the near future. It is not my first choice, but it is not a bad school either. I really would just prefer a German Shepherd, but because of my time constraints I may have to settle for a Labrador Retriever, a Boxer, a Golden Retriever etc. I would be very interested to hear about your experience while in class, Nymphadora, please feel free to post to this board or to contact me in private. I'd love to hear all about your in-class experience, your new dog, and would be glad to give any advice I can to help while comparing notes with you on different guide dog training programs. I have a home interview with them on Sunday the thirteenth, and I hope that they will be able to fit me into a summer class. I simply can't go back to Potsdam next semester sans guide. To, Orange Dolphin Spirit. I would be interested to hear more from you regarding GDB and their good track record for matching handler dog teams. That is one of my greatest concerns with any school, as I need a very certain type of dog. Any information you could share would be very helpful either on this board topic or via private quick notes. To Sweet Sacrifice, it's generally called dog day, not doggy day, lol, but whatever floats your boat. I'm curious though, which school are you attending? And, why and how did you have to fight to get in? Oh, and to kolbygarrison, I just may be in the same class as you, and wouldn't that be ironic? Wow, this board has gotten very active lately, and I'm glad that it has.
Selena Fan, it is really none of your mother's damn business. If you want a guide dog you should get one, and if you don't then you shouldn't. It is your decision, not her's, not even a little bit. It is your life, not her's and you have a right to live it with out her interfearance, as you wish. Oh, and good luck getting your ghinny pig to guide you though, rofl, jk. If you had a difficult experience at a guide dog school then perhaps you should not get a dog, or at least not any time in the near future. If the dog took you out in front of a car then the school is to blame, as that is an unsafe dog. But, do keep in mind that if a handler is very very nervous or uncomfortable it can effect the dog's work negatively, even if they are a good dog and are well-trained. So, whether or not the school is to blame for that one, or you are to blame is not clear, it is most likely a combination of both. I do credit you however with being honest about your experiences and for recognizing that despite pressure from society, the blind culture and from your mother to get a dog, that it might not be the best choice for you. OH, something about sex of dog, I have worked two female guides before and I think I might like to try and might benifit from a partnership with a male guide this time around. Has anyone here worked both a male and a female dog, prefferably of the same breed, that would like to share some thoughts regarding any differences you might have observed?