07/08/2020
When you meet one of our working guide dog teams, GDB asks that you please keep in mind some essential etiquette rules:
As tempting as it may be to pet a guide dog, remember that this dog is responsible for leading someone who cannot see. The dog should never be distracted from that duty.
A guide dog should never be offered food or other distracting treats. Food rewards are used as a motivational and training tool by GDB both in our dog training and by our alumni with their working guide dogs, but those rewards are only given to the dogs by their handlers.
A person’s safety may depend on their dog’s alertness and concentration. It is okay to ask someone if you may pet their guide. Many people enjoy introducing their dogs when they have the time. The dog’s primary responsibility is to its blind partner and it is important that the dog not become solicitous.
Visit guidedogs.com/etiquette for more reminders of how you can be an ally to our grads.
In this photo, GDB Grad Carrie Carlisle and her Golden Lab Cross guide dog, Jolette, navigate a college campus.
