Roisin Dermody, a guide dog owner, shares some simple but very important tips in her video entitled ‘Please don’t distract working guide dogs’.When a guide dog is working it will have its harness on. Even if the dog is lying at its owners’ feet if it has its harness on, then it is in ‘work mode’ and must not be approached or distracted without the owner’s permission. Once the harness is removed the guide dog is released from ‘work mode’ and will behave like a regular dog. However as with all dogs you should ask permission to approach the dog to say ‘hello’. Guide dog owners may not always give you permission to pet their guide dog. Why? All dogs are different, even guide dogs.Whereas one in harness might not be distracted another could be easily distracted. It may not switch back into ‘work mode’ easily. So please do not be offended if one guide dog owner permits you to say ‘hello’ to their dog, while another does not.Guide dogs are highly trained to assist their owners but there may be some instances where help is needed. There is more street furniture around, which can cause difficulties.If you see a visually impaired person who may need help just say something like ‘Hi, is there anything I can help you with?’ Please do not grab the person as you may startle them. Always speak as you approach and if the person declines your offer of help please do not be offended. Yarrow, who was puppy raised by volunteer Anne Mulligan, has qualified as an Assistance Dog.He is matched with a 6 year old boy in the Cork area. We wish Yarrow good luck in his new home. Look out for a photograph of Yarrow, along with his temporary boarder Padraig,who will feature in the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind calendar for 2022. Contact us by phone/text: 085 7663107. Email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com
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