Tips to follow when around a guide dog

A guide dog, is someone's eyes...please respect the fact that when the dog wears its harness, it is on the job...the safety of his owner depends on it.

Dear dog lover,

Here are a few important tips that anyone that surrounds your visually impaired student should know when if a visually impaired student uses the services of a guide dog. The life of your student may be at risk otherwise.

• If the guide dog is wearing a harness, do not pet it as it is on the job. The safety of its owner depends on the alertness and reactions of the dog.

• Always introduce yourself to its owner first and ask if you may pet the dog but only when the dog is free or wearing a regular leash. If people start petting the dog even when it is lying down, the dog who has been well trained, might develop not be as alert or on task and may be responsible of getting its owner into a bad situation.

• When the dog is wearing a harness, petting is not the only thing that you should not do. Do not feed, play or even talk to it otherwise he will focus on you instead of his job.

• You should know that the guide dog is allowed anywhere and anyone who refuses the entrance of the premises of the dog can be in a lot of trouble. The guide dog is someone's eyes, it is not a companion or a regular pet. It should be treated as a tool, not as an animal, by the owners of public places.

• If one of your student has allergies to dog's hair, ask your administration for making some special arrangements as like your student with an allergy, your visually impaired student has rights as well. Refusing the attendance of the dog is not an option and in such case, human rights and other recourses are available to remediate the situation.

• At the beginning of the school year or upon the arrival of your student and his guide dog, introducing himself and the dog may be a way to explain how to react towards the dog and why it is important to follow these guidelines. Also, taking off the harness to allow the students to pet it for a few minutes may satisfy their need of petting it when wearing its harness.

• Always allow your visually impaired student and his dog enough space for the dog to lie down safely and not too close to the walking path of students between rows. Don't box your student in the corner and allow enough space between tables or desks to permit both your visually impaired student to walk safely side by side if possible.

• When getting ready to leave the premises for example, prior to going to the music class, state your directions out loud to allow your student to give his directions to his guide dog. Also, encourage your students to allow your visually impaired student to either go first or last to facilitate the exit of the class. You should also instruct your student to inform your visually impaired student prior to a situation where he could obstruct his way by going in front of him for a reason or another.

• Always allow your student a place where to put a bowl of water for the dog and give him some time to go outside for a walk with the dog. Depending on the age of your student, you may prefer to have someone else accompany your student.

If you follow these simple guidelines, you can be sure that no problems will arise, risking the safety of your visually impaired student.