Category: Animal House
I am thinking of getting a guide dog, but am hesitant. I have 2 cats, and a dog at home, and my family is pretty big. Is this ok, when considering a guide dog? Should i wait until i move out to get one? What do you do in order to get your pets used to your guide dog?
It's fine to have other pets when you have a guide dog. Schools usually recommend that you introduce the two dogs on neutral territory when you bring the guide dog home. The pet dog might be a little bent out of shape at first, but they usually get over it. The cats should be fine, too. They already are used to having a dog around, and lots of schools do cat distractions to show you how your dog will react to a cat.
I was wondering the same thing. I'll probably start thinking about getting a guide dog when I get my own place, but the only trouble is, my cat hates dogs and tries to attack the small dogs! Mind you, she might be different if she sees a larger dog.
I just got a guidedog about a month ago and I introduced him to my pet dog with both of them on leash they got used to each other pretty fast though. The only problem... well not really a problem but something to think about with a large family is are u going to be able to be assertive enough to tell your family to leave your dog alone and not t pet it without your permission? It will come with practice, but I know that can be hard when a lot of peoople want to pet your dog all the time.
Hope this helped. feel free to PM me if you have questions.
Jenna and Bilko
I'm so confused. I don't know if I should wait until I move out (who knows when that will be) or just get one. I applied to the seeing eye, and am thinking of applying to guiding eyes as well. Has anyone had experiences with guiding eyes??
Guide dogs for the blind is the best school. If you want home training or want a sheperd apply to fidelco. You should find out what each school offers because each school is different like seeing eye you own your dog when you graduate and Guiding Eyes you don't. Get a dog its better than using a cane especially if you go out a lot yourself. If you don't go out a lot independently then you shouldn't get a dog.
I went to Guiding Eyes and have had positive experiences both times I've been there. If you want to know more or have specific questions about GEB, feel free to send me a private message or an email.
I also went to Guiding Eyes. Feel free to private message me if you have any questions.
I'm another Guiding Eyes graduate. I got my second dog from them this summer. I've had very good experiences there, and a great puppy each time--each has been a focused, reliable worker, and a sweetheart, of course.
I rather mistrust anyone who claims one school or another is the best, though; some have better reputations than others, so do your research, and ask, as you are doing here.
I believe GEB also offers home training.
GEB covers $300 in vet cost every year, which is a huge help.
Ownership of the dog seems a minor matter, in the scheme of things, IMO. As far as I'm concerned, if you care for the dog and are the one responsible for it, you own it as much as anyone can. There's no practical difference. No one will show up at your door to check up, under ordinary circumstances!
I'm not sure what else to add, but I, too, am happy to answer any questions. Add me to the list of those willing to be contacted. *smile*
I agree that ownership is no big deal. If u love the dog and take care of it, who cares if its technically owned by the school? i'm going to still apply for ownership of my guide after the first year, which is what haspends at GDB. Gdb is a really good school, but do research and don't be afraid to contact me if u have questions. :)
jenna and bilko
I received my 1st dog from the Guide Dog Foundation in June of 2008. She is a 5 year old female Golden Retriever named Sunny. If you have any questions about GDF or Guide Dogs in general, I would be happy to answer them. I am certainly not as experienced of a handler as others are, but I am learning. Partnering with a Guide Dog is the best decision that I have ever made, and I will not ever use the cane as my primary mobility aid again.
Kolby