Guide Dogs are both highly trained service animals and lifelong companions for people with vision loss. Since these dogs are always on the clock, interacting with them requires proper awareness and education. Keep reading to learn more about proper etiquette when encountering a guide dog.

What is a Guide Dog?

Guide dogs are trained to help their owners safely navigate throughout the world. These pups have been reliable helpers in North America for over 80 years. The main purpose of a guide dog is to enhance the mobility of humans that need assistance. This includes assisting people with visual impairments by helping them walk in a straight line, avoid obstacles, and stop for stairs or curbs. Guide dogs are essential for guiding their owners throughout busy or potentially dangerous situations.

Although several breeds are used as guide dogs, the most common are Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. These breeds are well-suited for a role as a guide dog thanks to their intelligence, calm temperament, and reliable nature. Many Labrador and Golden Retrievers are specifically bred to undergo guide dog training due to their success in this field. These pups provide essential confidence to their human partners as they navigate daily life.

Encountering a Guide Dog: Don’ts

Guide dogs must have undisturbed concentration to ensure their partner’s safety. Because of this, additional distractions such as close encounters with other humans or animals may distract a guide dog and put their owner in jeopardy. If you encounter a guide dog in public, do not approach them. Although it might be tempting, onlookers should never touch or talk to a guide dog.

Below are a few more etiquette “don’ts” to avoid.

• Avoid obstructing the path of a person with a guide dog
• Do not touch or try to steer a guide dog’s harness
• Never offer a guide dog food, treats, or toys without permission from their owner
• Never grab a person with visual impairments, even if you’re trying to redirect them
• Avoid walking closely alongside or behind a person with a guide dog
• Avoid making sudden or loud noises near someone with a guide dog
• Do not call out directions to a person with a guide dog from a distance
• Never grab a guide dog’s leash

Encountering a Guide Dog: Do’s

Remember, you should treat a person with a guide dog the same as you would treat anyone else. You should always speak to a person with visual impairments in a normal tone of voice. If you need to interact with them, you should always talk directly to the person rather than speaking to their guide dog or a human companion.

Below are a few more etiquette “do’s” to practice.

• If you see a person with a guide dog encountering a potentially dangerous situation, calmly voice your concerns
• If a person with a guide dog looks like they may need assistance, briefly introduce yourself and ask if they need help
• Approach a person with a guide dog calmly and quietly
• Give a guide dog plenty of space to safely maneuver
• If you have a dog with you, keep it leashed and at a respectful distance
• When approaching a person with a guide dog, you may want to verbally announce your presence to them

Remember that guide dogs are more than just assistance animals; they are trusted companions who enable greater independence for their handlers. By following these guidelines, you can contribute to a more inclusive and respectful environment for visually impaired people and their guide dog teams.

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