Category: Animal House
my daughter recently became the proud recipient of a guide dog. for years, i've been considering taking this route toward a new independence. finally, I decided to apply.
If I'm accepted, my main concern is canine conflict. I'd appreciate it if anyone could provide hints and thoughts about having two guide dogs in the same house. Personally, I don't think it's a big deal but have family members who do not share my point of view. As always what you say and feel is most appreciated. Thanks.
Hey Turricane,
having 2 guide dogs in the house is not a problem at all. Both my husband and I have a guide and they get along just fine. When you go to class you will learn how to introduce dogs together but some tips are to have them interact slowly with one another first. At the very first meeting, let it be off harness and on neutral ground so they can investigate each other. And once in the home, your school will talk to you about what you should first do when coming home with a guide but just paying attention to your dog is the key. The nice part is guide dogs have all been socialized with other dogs so aren't typically as uncomfortable with new dogs as a pet dog might be.
That's very true. And as long as your dog has it's own bowl and bed it should be fine. Even though, whenever I visit my friends who both have guides, all the dogs just crash on one bed.
Yeah when I'm at my friend's her guide dog and pet dog and my guide dog all end up sleeping on her bed. They also take turns eating out of one bowl, although having their own bowl and bed is a good idea. They share toys and really like playing together.
oh!!!! all those doggies sleeping together. sonds so cute!!!!
Yeah, eventually, I'd like a guide dog too. I've always wondred how they get along. How cute about the doggies sleeping together.
sunshine and rain, by the way i love your screen name. kind of describes the way life should be.
anyway, don't wait too long to get that dog. i wish i'd done it 30 years ago. i guess we all have our own time and our own needs. Upon reflection I realize that probably back then i was too immature and self absorbed to handle the responsibility.
Oh thanks. (smiles) Yeah, you're right. I shouldn't hold out too long. Iwas thinking of applying when my oldest started preschool, which would be maybe a year and a half from now. Then my daughter wouldn't be nursing then if I can help it. Lol. We'll just have to see...
that makes sense. I would think the two week program would be great for you. when my kids were little, i never thought of getting a dog. selfishly, i thought it would have been just one more thing tagging after me and begging to be fed.
Lol! I understand! Sometimes, I feel that way too. But I think with being both blind and having cerebral palsy, a dog would help me to travel more proficiently. I've done test runs with guide dogs at the San Rafael and absolutely loved it. The dogs were responsive to my needs even though they didn't even know me and at least one of them was typically a get-up-and-go kinda guy. But he slowed down to my pace and stopped everytime there was even a slight change in the terraine. When we first started out, he ran me over a rail road tie and I fell. The instructor said he stopped and looked back at me with these big sad woried eyes, like, "Oh no! What did I do? Is she ok?" When we started out again, he figured out what I needed and adapted to me. That was so inspiring to me, and that'll always be the thing that fuels my pursuit for a canine companion.
sunshine and rain that is great. i can imagine how a dog could really work with you. they are so intuitive and sensitive. tracey's guide licks everyonein our family but me. although i never said anything or acted weird, she automatically knows i don't care to be licked.