FAQ'S - Guide Dogs at the Workplace
The following information may assist in helping the guide
dog make a smooth transition into the workplace.
The guide dog is a working dog and not a pet dog. Its
role is to safely guide its handler throughout the environment. When the dog is
wearing the harness it is working. At these times the dog should not be
interacted with, or given attention, by anyone other than its handler.
When the dog is not wearing the harness the dog is still
expected to be well behaved and respond to its handler’s commands. Guide dogs
are meant to rest quietly and stay where they have been placed in the work area.
It is of assistance if the dog is left alone rather than calling its name or
exciting it.
Lunches and other food should be out of reach. Food
scraps should not be placed in bins within the dog's reach. Guide dogs must not
receive any scraps or treats!
Expectations of how to behave towards the guide dog:
Please do not:
- Pet or touch the dog.
- Feed the dog.
- Distract the dog.
- Make the dog the center of attention.
These may all cause the dog to lose concentration and put
the handler's safety at risk.
If the dog is not working always ask the handler first
for permission to pet the dog.
If the dog is seen to be doing something it should not, please let the handler know
so that he/she can correct the animal’s behavior.
The guide dog handler has been trained in the most
appropriate techniques for both working and correcting the dog. Please only
provide assistance if requested by the guide dog handler.
When offering assistance, always be on the guide dog
handler’s right-hand side, as the dog is always walked on the left-hand side.
Expectations of the guide dog in the workplace:
The working dog:
- Should be well behaved at all times.
- Should be quiet and settled when not working.
- May require a physical and/or vocal correction to
maintain its concentration and skills. Only the handler should do this.
- Should not beg or drool when in the presence of people
eating.
- Should not chew furniture or inappropriate items, for
example, shoes. However, it may chew acceptable items such as a toy bone, when
given by the handler.
- Should be given access to all public places.
- Should be kept clean, groomed and free of any offensive
odor.
If there are any questions regarding the guide dog in the
workplace, please discuss the issue with the handler, or contact the nearest Guide Dog School.
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