Module B1 - Slide 12
Only 2 to 5 per cent of blind individuals use dog guides, despite the common assumption among the sighted public. The dog responds to commands and direction from the handler. The dog guide leads the handler around obstacles in the path, pauses or stops at curbs or stairs, and responds to the handler’s commands. The handler, the person who is blind, has to keep track of directions and give dog the appropriate commands at the appropriate time. The handler provides specific commands, not a general direction such as “go to the store”. The person decides when to cross the street, not the dog. The dog guide may stop if it is in imminent danger (about to get hit by a car). Dog guides will do doggie things, such as chase squirrels, if the handler is not alert and keeping the dog focused on the work of guiding.
Photo: man crossing at street with dog guide