page_title: Guide dog
section_title: Benefits of owning a guide dog
hierarchical_section_title: Guide dog / Benefits of owning a guide dog
caption_attribution_description: English: The social psychologist Elliot Aronson, with his guide dog named Desi-Lu, photographed by his wife Vera.
context_page_description: Guide dogs are assistance dogs trained to lead blind and visually impaired people around obstacles. Although dogs can be trained to navigate various obstacles, they are red–green color blind and incapable of interpreting street signs. The human does the directing, based on skills acquired through previous mobility training. The handler might be likened to an aircraft's navigator, who must know how to get from one place to another, and the dog is the pilot, who gets them there safely. In several countries guide dogs, along with most service and hearing dogs, are exempt from regulations against the presence of animals in places such as restaurants and public transportation.
context_section_description: Studies show owning a pet or therapy animal offers positive effects psychologically, socially, and physiologically. Guide dogs especially come with a variety of benefits and help in many ways. They give a blind person more confidence, friendship, and security. Blind people who use service animals have increased confidence in going about day-to-day life and are comforted by a constant friend. Companionship offered by a service dog helps reduce anxiety, depression, and loneliness.  Because animals offer support, security, and companionship, stress is reduced, which in turn improves cardiovascular health.  "A number of studies identify pet ownership as a factor in improved recovery from illness and in improved health in general".
  Guide dogs make it easier to get around, resulting in the person getting more exercise or walking more. People are more willing to go places and feel a sense of independence. Meeting people and socializing is easier, and people are more likely to offer a blind person help when there is a service animal present. The animals may also lead to increased interaction with other people. Animals are seen as "ice breakers" to a conversation with something to talk about. They are more advantageous than long canes when one is in an unfamiliar place. The animal directs the right path, instead of poking around wondering if you might bump into something. Guide dogs make the experience of the unknown more relaxing. Getting from point A to point B using a guide dog is much faster and safer.
  Owners of guide dogs share a special bond with their animal. Many report that the animal is a member of the family, and go to their animal for comfort and support.  The animal isn't seen as a working animal, but more as a loyal friend. However it is important to remember that guide dogs are working animals and should not be distracted or treated as a pet while they are working.
caption: Social psychologist Elliot Aronson and his guide dog, Desilu, whom he received in January 2011
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