Guide Dog Petting: Do's And Don'ts

Guide dogs are working dogs that help their owners navigate their surroundings. While it may be tempting to pet a guide dog, it is important to remember that doing so while the dog is wearing its harness can distract it from its work and put its owner at risk. Therefore, it is generally advised to refrain from stroking a guide dog without first seeking permission from the owner. When the harness is removed, it indicates that the dog is no longer on duty and can be approached for petting, but even then, it is polite to ask the owner's permission before doing so.

Always ask the owner for permission first

It's always best to ask the guide dog's owner for permission before you pet the dog. Guide dogs are working dogs, and petting them can distract them from their work and put their owner at risk of danger or delay. Even when the dog is resting, it's important to check with the owner first, as the dog may be tired or working on obedience.

When a guide dog is wearing its harness, it is a mobility aid for its owner and should be left alone. The dog is trained to ignore distractions and keep still, even when the owner doesn't need assistance. By petting or talking to the dog, you are breaking its concentration, which can impair the handler's ability to navigate their surroundings.

Guide dogs enjoy their work and get satisfaction from a job well done. However, they only focus on their work when the harness is on. When the harness is off, it's playtime, and they can be treated like ordinary pets.

So, while it may be tempting to stroke a cute guide dog, always remember to ask the owner for permission first. By doing so, you can ensure the dog can stay focused on its important work and keep its owner safe.

Don't distract a working guide dog

Guide dogs are working dogs that help their owners navigate their surroundings. It is important to recognise that when a guide dog is wearing its harness, it is working and should not be distracted.

When a guide dog is on the job, it requires its owner's undivided attention. Petting or talking to the dog can break its concentration, which impairs the handler's ability to get around. Even when the handler doesn't need assistance, a guide dog on the job is trained to ignore distractions and keep still.

If you see a guide dog, resist the urge to stroke it, no matter how tempting. It is best to ask the owner for permission first, even if the dog is resting. In some cases, the dog may be tired or working on obedience, so it's important to check with the owner before petting the dog.

By leaving a guide dog alone, you are helping it to stay focused on its important work. Guide dogs only end up working in this role if they love the work, and they enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. So, while it may be hard to resist those furry little heads, remember that by not petting them, you are supporting them in their vital work.

Guide dogs are allowed almost anywhere the general public can go

Guide dogs are highly trained working dogs that provide essential support to their owners. They are allowed almost anywhere the general public can go, thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This legislation ensures that guide dogs can accompany their owners to most public places, including restaurants, despite health codes that typically forbid canines.

However, it is important to remember that when a guide dog is wearing its harness, it is working and should not be treated as a typical pet. Petting or talking to a guide dog can break its concentration and impair its ability to assist its owner in navigating their surroundings. Therefore, it is best to ask the owner's permission before approaching or petting a guide dog, even if it appears to be resting.

When a guide dog is on a break or at home, it is typically allowed to play and receive attention like any other dog. The dogs themselves are trained to distinguish between work and play time based on whether they are wearing their harnesses. When the harness is on, they know to stay focused on their duties; when it is off, they can relax and have fun.

By respecting the working status of guide dogs and their need to remain focused, the public can play a crucial role in helping guide dog owners maintain their confidence, independence, and safety in navigating public spaces.

Guide dogs are working dogs, not pets

Guide dogs are highly trained working dogs that provide essential support to their owners. They are not pets and should not be treated as such when they are on duty. When a guide dog is wearing its harness, it is acting as a mobility aid for its owner and should be left alone.

Petting or talking to a guide dog while it is on duty breaks its concentration and could put its owner at risk. Guide dogs are trained to ignore distractions and keep still when their owner does not need assistance. This is because guiding is a complicated job that requires the dog's undivided attention. By stroking a working guide dog, you are impairing the dog's ability to help its owner navigate their surroundings.

It is also important to remember that a guide dog is not just a pair of eyes for its owner. They provide companionship and help individuals function confidently and independently. The bond between a guide dog and its owner is strong, and the dog's work is both mentally and physically taxing. Therefore, it is crucial that guide dogs are allowed to focus on their job without distractions.

However, guide dogs are still dogs and enjoy play and praise like ordinary pets. When the harness comes off, it's playtime for the guide dog. They work extremely hard, but they also lead happy lives, full of attention and stimulation.

Guide dogs can be stroked when they're off the lead

Guide dogs are working dogs that help their owners navigate their surroundings. While it may be tempting to pet a guide dog, doing so while it is in its harness can distract the dog from its work and put its owner at risk. Therefore, it is important to refrain from stroking a guide dog when it is on the job.

However, when a guide dog is off the lead, it is typically considered okay to pet it. In some cases, owners may remove the dog's harness in a park or similar setting to allow it to play freely. Even so, it is always best to ask the owner for permission before stroking a guide dog, as the dog may be tired or working on obedience.

Guide dogs work hard during the day to assist their owners, but they also need time to play and relax. When the harness comes off, it signals the end of the work day, and the dog can enjoy being a pet. This distinction between work and play is essential for the well-being of the dog and helps them unwind after a mentally taxing job.

While it is important to respect the working time of a guide dog, it is also crucial to understand that they are fun-loving pets at heart. They crave attention and stimulation and enjoy playing and receiving praise just like any other dog. So, while it's important to leave them alone when they're working, it's equally important to show them love and affection when they're off the lead.

Frequently asked questions