Respect the workers; what to do when you come across a guide dog
#InternationalGuideDogDay has sparked conversations of educating the public about respecting service animals.
As a nation of dog lovers, many of us cannot refrain from approaching a stranger with a four-legged friend. However, in some cases this can put the safety of both the furry friend and their owner at risk.
Glasgow’s John Garvie is the owner of guide dog William.
Mr Garvie has used service animals for many years, so has experienced many instances where members of the public have unknowingly disrupted the work of dogs such as William.
“While I would say more people now know not to distract a working guide dog, it still happens to me every day. For example, I had someone try to talk to one of my previous guide dogs while I was crossing a road.”
Guide Dogs UK has launched a campaign to alongside International Guide Dog Day encouraging people to respect working guide dogs.
Here are a few things to remember when you see them out and about.
Don’t touch, talk to or distract
Although for many their instinct is to kiss the air while walking past a furry friend, this distraction can be very dangerous. If the guide dog owner is trying to navigate a busy space, a road crossing or stairs, a simple distraction can be detrimental.
Always assume they are working
Whether a guide dog is stood still, laying down or walking, if they have the harness on, they are still ‘at work.’ To always be cautious is the best approach to take when it comes to guide dogs, if you don’t know, simply ask.
Remember, this is their job
Just like you, if someone was to distract you whilst at work, it would be rather annoying. It can be stressful for a guide dog to have strangers approaching them regularly; their priority is to focus on their job and keep their owner safe.
Approach the owner, not the guide dog
There are circumstances when it is appropriate to approach a guide dog owner, especially when they are signaling for help. This can be indicated by them placing the guide dog’s harness handle down on the dog’s back, and they may look lost. Say hello and ask if they are ok, while ignoring the dog.
They get enough love!
When their harness comes off, guide dogs get just as much love (if not even more) than every other household pet. When out n about, if they are not wearing their white harness, make sure still to ask the owner if it is okay to interact with them
These simple pieces of knowledge, although incredibly simple, can make all the difference to the everyday life of guide dog owners like Mr Garvie.
“Most people are okay when I politely decline but some people can be funny about it. I don’t feel good about it. Having to explain is bad enough, but when people are not accepting of a decision made to keep me and William safe, it can be so frustrating.
“We definitely have a long way to go and hopefully we can continue to educate people on why it is so important to not distract guide dogs.”
