Jobs With Guide Dogs For The Blind

A friend and I got in a heated debate about the training of guide dogs for the blind. As we are both blind, and both want to apply for a guide dog in the near future, this is a topic of high interest for us.

What we couldn't agree on is what a guide dog would do and should do if the blind owner is in danger other than from obstacles, for example, a robber or gang member approaches the owner while walking with his/her guide dog.

From my understanding of the training of guide dogs, they are not allowed to show any signs of aggression, or they are removed from the program. So, a guide dog should according to his/her training stand by even if the owner is being attacked, and not attack the aggressor, whether it be person or animal. The guide dog's job is to be a mobility tool, not a guard dog or protector, so I say that a guide dog that attacks an aggressor or leaves his/her owner to chase an aggressor is not trained properly or has temperament issues and should not be a guide dog, as the guide dog's job is to stay with the owner and make sure s/he is able to travel safely around obstacles, including cars, poles, and stairs.

My friend, J., however says that if a guide dog owner is attacked, the dog will and should attack the aggressor and even go after the person to get back a purse or such. He says that while the dogs are trained to be non-aggressive, it would be a dog's instinct to defend/protect his/her owner and would attack anyone who threatens his/her owner.

What is the truth? Please make sure to reference where you got the information, because J. and I are debating properly and would only accept answers that actually have proper references...*grin*

Thank you for any info you can provide!

I train service dogs. Guide Dogs for the blind are trained as service dogs. That's it. They can be taugth to do intelligent disobedience whohc means if they are given a commnad and they recognize the command would put the dog in danger, they would refuse to do it. (Like crossing a street if a car was coming or stepping over an open manhole etc.)
You are right, if they show any aggression they are taken out of the program. Some breeds are more protective than others and some lines bred to be that way too.
However, aggression is different than protection. I have seen a 6 year old Golden lunge at a stranger who approached his owner with bad intentions. The dog had never shown any indication of protection before that, a very affable dog.
It totally depends on the individual temperament of the dog and the bond between the dog and handler.
I personally had a daxie who would have layed her life on the line for me, I have no doubt. We discovered she was protective of me after 7 years when a friend slapped my arm in jest. She went after her and grabbed her by the wrist and stared her in the eyes, daring her to do it again.
Two other dogs I have been owned by would have happily helped a burgler carry the good stuff away, or at least got out of the way as they carried the stuff out the door. Totally depends on the dog.

Until recently people with disabilities have been respected and not needed protection dogs. It's a sad state of our society that they feel they need one now!

As there are years of waiting lists for service dogs, you may want o consider training your own. Health and temperment selection is key. Do be aware that that more than 50% do not finish the program. On my blog, there is a link to a comparison of owner-trained vs program-trained service dogs.

2009-05-23 07:38:35 by Jewel

This video has been created to celebrate 80 years of creating over 29000 guide dog partnerships setting blind and partially sighted people on the ...

please could i have a dog ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

PLEASE READ THIS I HAVE SPENT A LOT OF TIME ON THIS: DONT JUST IGNORE IT PLEASE READ IT.

I WANT A DOG MORE THAN YOU WANT TO WIN THE LOTTERY.
I WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR A DOG. I WOULD EVEN KILL MYSELF BUT THEN I WOULDNT BE ALIVE TOO SEE MY DOG.
I WOULD BUY EVERYTHING EXCEPT OF COURSE THE DOG BECAUSE I WOULD NEED A LITTLE BIT OF HELP PAYING FOR IT. I WOULD BUY THE COLLAR FOOD, FOOD BOWLS AND EVERYTHING LIKE THAT.
I LUV BILLY SO MUCH AND I WOULD LUV TO HAVE ONE OF MY OWN.

PLEASE MUM I AM BEGGING YOU SOOOOOO MUCH. I WOULD WALK IT EVERYDAY , FEED IT EVERYDAY, TRAIN IT AND PLAY WITH IT. OH MY GOD I WANT IT SOO MUCH. I HAVE DONE SOO MUCH RESEARCH ON THE BREED OF DOG I WANT THAT MY HEAD IS SOON GOING TO EXPLODE. IF YOU DONT THINK THAT I CAN LOOK AFTER A DOG WHY DONT YOU TAKE ME TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER AND LET ME HAVE ONE OF THEIR DOGS FOR A WEEK OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT OR ASK SHAUN IF WE COULD LOOK AFTER BILLY FOR A WEEK JUT TO SHOW YOU WHAT I CAN DO. OR ASK DAWN IF WE COULD LOOK AFTER TOBY FOR A WEEK.

I KNOW HOW TO TEACH A DOG TO SIT, STAY, LAY, BEG, PAW, FETCH, JUMP, AND LOADS MORE. IF YOU DONT BELIEVE ME LIKE I SAID LET ME LOOK AFTER A DOG FOR MY SELF.

Keeping a dog for a pet and companion is fun to do. Though it seems that there isn't much about keeping dogs for a pet, it actually takes more than feeding, grooming and keeping your dog happy. There is even a lot of thinking involve the way you train them and keep them fit. Aside from the daily nutritional needs of your pet, you also have to make sure that they have their regular check ups.
Choosing the breed of dog you would love to keep involves thinking. And if you are the type of person who would like to be keeping a dog for life, then looking at specific areas of concern other than how a dog looks have to be considered. Ask yourself important questions first and whether you can be capable and worthy to be called a responsible pet owner.
But what about Boxers? What about them? These are dogs that doesn't are considered as guard dogs for they symbolize strength, agility and awareness when strangers are around. They are highly recommended for security purposes. If you are eager to make sure that an attentive pet is around for you, Boxers are a great choice.
During World War I, Boxer dogs were used as military dogs. Primarily, a Boxer dog's task was to be the guard dog but other military works such as being the messenger and attack dog was also common. Because of this, their strong and athletic physique remains incumbent up to now. These dogs physical attributes have made this breed important in aspects where help is important. Throughout history, the Boxer had been counted on for jobs such as, other than being in the military, guide dogs for the blind, herd dogs (usually for sheep and cattle), and even as police dogs.
In domesticating a Boxer, it is important not to deprive them of their physical activities. Any dog needs physical exercises. Walking at the park is one simple way to do this but a Boxer dog would appreciate it if you run alongside them. This isn't only to maintain the athletic state that your Boxer has, but, it's most valuable to maintain their health in good state.
Keeping a Boxer dog for a pet involves a lot of work but it doesn't mean that it's not fun. Just like us, these dogs have their own needs and it goes out to all the other breed of dogs in the world.


I WILL HELP AROUND THE HOUSE, BE WELL BEHAVED AND DO WELL IN SCHOOL IF YOU WOULD GET ME A DOG!
*** YOU DONT KNOW HOW MUCH I WANT A DOG ***

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WANT ONE SOO MUCH.

I WONT GET BORED AFTER A FEW MONTHS I SWEAR !!!!!!

A DOG WILL BE MY FRIEND THATS THERE ALL THE TIME. PLEASE MUM ITS ALL I HAVE EVER WANTED !"!!!!


I WONT ASK FOR ANYTHING ELSE IN MY LIFE IF U GOT ME A DOG !!!

why are you all criticising her as she has said she will be responsible for training playing and looking after the dog ok saying she Will kill herself is a bit ott but she is young and perhaps lonely did anyone think of that she has already offered to look after one for a week give her a break if i was her mom i would let her try and see how she does

2009-06-29 09:36:48 by ♥* Hazii x *♥

I am considering going back to school to get my Masters but I am unsure what I should get it in.

Background:
I graduated from Colorado State University-Pueblo in 2006 with a bachelors in Experimental Psychology with a minor in Biology. Experimental Psych is much different from clinical psych and I don't want to be a psychologist.

"Experimental psychology approaches psychology as one of the natural sciences, investigates it using the experimental method. The focus of experimental psychology is on discovering the underlying processes behind behavior and the specific nature of mental life. This is in contrast to applied psychology, which employs psychological knowledge to solve real-world problems, and clinical psychology, which aims to treat mental illness with therapy."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experimenta l_psychology

My passion is animals and I was hoping to be able to train dogs. I trained guide dogs for the blind for three years in HS. I went on to work as a rehab assistant at a bird of prey rehab facility (doing medical, animal training, and education work). I also worked for a year at a vet clinic. Unfortunately those jobs didn't pay the bills and I had to go to work at a credit union. I now have a great job working for a government contractor and have no intentions of leaving this job. I do want to start volunteering again with animals.
My point is I want to get my masters in something I am interested in but I also know that my odds of having a career with animals is not likely and I have accepted that.

Enough rambling, sorry! Can I get a masters in something other than psychology? Can I get a masters in biology? What are my options?
Thanks!

Have you ever thought about becoming a vet? I understand the needing to be able to pay the bills part though to. Veterinarians get a higher pay rate then assistants and also if you specialize in a type of animal care such as neurological or dental or even large animals or avian you can get more money to. It just all depends on the area. Then you can be doing what you love and make money doing it.

2009-04-01 10:03:19 by cougarcub02