Do not grab the guide dog, the leash, harness or the person's arm. Doing so may place them in danger. Do not feed the guide dog. Guide dogs are given a prepared diet at home and additional feeding may disturb their work schedule. Guide dogs men safe travel, mobility, greater independence and better employment prospects to many people who are blind.
Guide dogs provide companionship and great emotional support.
Guide dogs are taught not only basic obedience, such as come, sit down and stay, but they also learn to stop at curbs and stairs, to avoid obstacles in their paths and to negotiate streets, crossings, elevators, public transportation and all the situations a person with sight might encounter. Individual's receiving a guide dog participate in an intensive 4-6 week course to learn to work with and care for a guide dog. Follow-up service to ensure that graduate and dog are doing well is an integral part of most guide dog programs. Yet there is no charge to qualified students for the dog or the training program.