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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask this question about Guide Dogs?

164 replies

MarvellousMarbles · 17/03/2015 11:43

Did you know that you are not supposed to touch a working guide dog in harness?

I am asking because i am a new guide dog owner, and approximately 10 to 15 times a day, someone will come and pet my dog without asking me. I know they mean well, but it's really distracting/confusing for my dog, and that makes things more difficult for me.

Is it that they don't know? I thought nearly everyone did, but perhaps I am wrong!

OP posts:
hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 17/03/2015 11:47

I knew and would never dream of disturbing a working dog.

Ludways · 17/03/2015 11:48

I knew, but then I have experience of seeing one regularly when I was a little girl.

I thought everyone knew too.

frankie001 · 17/03/2015 11:50

I thought everyone knew too.

MaxPepsi · 17/03/2015 11:50

I know, can't remember not ever knowing so presumably it's something my parents told me at a young age.

rebelfor · 17/03/2015 11:50

I knew, but only because I was told off by the blind man who owned the dog.

I gave it a quarter of a pork pie at a Christening.

That was about 2 years ago, so only recently. Blush

TheMoa · 17/03/2015 11:50

I can't imagine that many people don't know, I suspect they just think they are so special that the rules don't apply to them.

Every child I've ever known learns about assistance dogs in primary school/cubs/from books etc. not to mention most parents explaining things.

honeyroar · 17/03/2015 11:50

I know too same for customs dogs and police dogs etc.

I find it hard to resist though (I do) as I love dogs.

sparkysparkysparky · 17/03/2015 11:51

Does the dog have a coat or similar that says "At work "?
I know you let a working dog get on with it - sorry that other people don't seem to know.

Congrats on getting a new dog, by the way.

TheElementsSong · 17/03/2015 11:51

I know because my cousin has a guide dog. He is very patient though, as long as he doesn't have anything pressing, he is willing to wait for a bit knowing that lots of people (especially children) want to pet the dog. He says it's usually not too bad, and generally people do ask first.

CMOTDibbler · 17/03/2015 11:52

Yes, and its obvious to anyone using half a brain cell that you wouldn't disturb a dog who is doing any kind of job

From tiny I told my ds not to touch guide dogs as there is a couple in our town who both have dogs so we see them quite a lot

browneyedgirl86 · 17/03/2015 11:52

I know. Wouldn't disturb a working dog. Was taught from when I was small.

londonrach · 17/03/2015 11:53

Was taught by mum and i think the school when i was a child to ignore a guide dog when working which was very hard (i love dogs). Hard wired now so do just that. However someone puppy walking ill ask first and every day been allowed a hug...... (The dog not the puppy walker). Anyone read emma and i?

Original poster
MarvellousMarbles · 17/03/2015 11:53

Oh gosh, rebel for - feeding a guide dog is a very bad thing! Hope you were very apologetic! It takes months and years of training to make sure they aren't scavenging for human food when out in public situations - that'll cause that dog's owner a lot of future distress! Plus the risk of stomach upsets from inappropriate food. At least you know now!

OP posts:
Lonecatwithkitten · 17/03/2015 11:53

Yes,, but I work with guide dogs and dogs in training on a regular basis.

PeterParkerSays · 17/03/2015 11:54

I knew, you shouldn't distract them when they're working.

MumRaah · 17/03/2015 11:55

I didn't know thisBlush

tabulahrasa · 17/03/2015 11:58

I know that, but, the population as a whole seems to not know what is consider to be pretty basic things about dogs at all...like ask before you touch them.

Lazarusbal · 17/03/2015 11:58

Honestly thought everyone knew that. Although for the life of me I've no idea how on earth I know ??

PourquoiTuGachesTaVie · 17/03/2015 11:59

I didn't know this but I don't stroke random dogs anyway (I'm a cat person).

But I will remember it and teach my dc (along with the instruction to always ask the owner first anyway).

Thanks op!

Original poster
MarvellousMarbles · 17/03/2015 11:59

Perhaps people don't realise that the dog is still working when it's standing still, or even lying down?

My guide dog, like all guide dogs, is wearing his white harness and reflective gear when working. He knows he must be calm and steady. If I'm sitting down somewhere, he will tuck himself under my chair and stay still until I get up. He's still in 'work mode' because he's got his harness on.

But when people launch themselves at him (without asking) and start petting him / calling to him, of course it disturbs him, and then I've got to interrupt what I'm doing and get him all settled again. Especially awkward if I'm also dealing with my toddler at the time, and need to not have my attention split two ways. It would be nice to be asked first, and I can say whether it's an appropriate time or not.

I don't mean to sound grumpy, I know everyone loves guide dogs, and they are lovely, lovely dogs. It just makes things very difficult sometimes when people have to show that affection physically!

OP posts:
rebelfor · 17/03/2015 12:00

I was apologetic, MarvellousMarbles, and felt terrible. The gentleman was lovely really (I'd never met him before, he was sitting at my table) and after the initial ''DON'T DO THAT!!'' he explained that strangers aren't supposed to pet them, let alone feed them.

I told my 9 year old daughter later she was never to touch a guide dog, and she already knew. Blush

Snozberry · 17/03/2015 12:00

I knew, I stop my 2yo from barking/waving at guide dogs as she does with other dogs. I thought it was common sense tbh! I suppose all you can do is keep repeating yourself, frustrating though.

Original poster
MarvellousMarbles · 17/03/2015 12:01

Ha ha that your DD knew, rebel!

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 17/03/2015 12:03

I thought everyone knew that. The thing is nobody should approach any dog IMO but especially working dogs. and all children should be told that very early on.

Mrsmorton · 17/03/2015 12:07

Common sense surely. Some people never seem to engage their brains. Must be very frustrating for you OP.