Lending a Helping Paw
By Carissa Chapa
Guide Dog Etiquette
Don’t touch, talk, feed, or distract a guide dog
As tempting as it may be to pet a guide dog, remember that this dog is responsible for leading someone who is visually impaired. The dog should never be distracted from that duty.
A visually impaired person’s safety depends on their guide dog’s alertness and concentration, and the dog’s primary responsibility is to its partner. It is okay to ask for permission to pet their guide dog as many people enjoy introducing their dog when they have time.
A guide dog should never be offered food or other distracting treats. Food rewards are used as a motivational and training tool. Rewards should only be given to the guide dog by its handlers.
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Give the guide dog the respect of a working dog.
The guide dog has an extremely important job to do of keeping its visually impaired handler safe.
Let the guide dog do its job and not distract it from its duty.
Be responsible and respectful around a guide dog team.
Speak to the handler, not the dog.
Treat the handler like you would anyone else.
Be polite and don’t ask personal questions.
It’s important to respect the handler and their privacy or their medical history.
Please politely ignore the guide dog.
Sometimes the handler might not want to answer questions because they’re busy or not comfortable talking. Please respect that as they are not being rude.
Guide dogs teams have the right of way.
They are protected under federal law and allowed to go anywhere in public with their handler.
Guide dogs are seen as medical equipment to assist their handler.
The guide dog is guiding the handler who is visually impaired/legally blind.
Its job is to assist with navigation and other tasks.
Don’t try to take control of the situation. If the handler requests assistance please help.
Although guide dogs cannot read signs or traffic signals, they are responsible for helping their handlers safely cross a street. Listening for traffic flow has become harder for guide dogs and their handlers due to the growing number of cars on the road including quieter electric cars. Please don’t honk your horn or call out from your vehicle to signal when it is safe to cross, as this is distracting and confusing.
Never attempt to grab or steer the person while the dog is guiding or attempt to hold the dog’s harness.
The dog is trained and knows what it’s doing
In some situations, a human guide may be more appropriate. Instead, the handler may ask to take your arm just above the elbow and allow their dog to heel or follow. In this case, be sure to talk and give directions to the handler and not the dog.
Keep pets away from the guide dog.
So that they don’t distract or challenge the guide dog.
Some animals might try to challenge a guide dog who is working and both the guide dog and handler could be harmed.
It’s not all work and no play for a guide dog.
When they are not in harness, they are treated in much the same way as pets.
You may encounter a guide dog out in the world wearing a head collar, which is a humane training tool that helps a dog stay calm and focused. The head collar is not a muzzle and is designed to permit the dog to fully open its mouth and can even be worn when the dog is eating, drinking or playing.
For their safety they are only allowed to play with certain toys. Please don’t offer them toys without first asking their handler’s permission.
Pawsome Facts
Thank you!