Re: starting out with a guidedog.
Hi Cinnamon.
[[wow]] thanks for the response.
I'm going to answer all your questions.
are you independent? Can you get to the store, or as we do, order your dog's food off Amazon? Can you afford the cost of a decent brand? Can you afford food bowl, water bowl, and vet care? Can you afford toys and bones? Will you learn to know what toys not to buy? Can you afford a dog brush and comb, maybe some conditioner spray if you live in a dry area? Can you get a ride to the vet in an emergency?
To answer all those questions. Yes.
I can do all that because the guidedogs.org.uk training will help me with that.
They have a schedule they keep to and check up on you monthly at first, and every six months you have to take the dog to the vet.
I will learn all that when training.
Are you willing to stand out in freezing temperatures while your dog circles and circles, then pick up its leavings?
Yes. once trained.
Are your cane sk
ills good?
Yep. I've been using a cane for around 12 years now.
Do you constantly need to feel landmarks and shorelines, or can you get a good sense of the area?
That will be a little tricky since I'm so used to the cane but I think I could handle it.
Do you get easily lost?
Again, it's the fact I've used the cane for so long that is going to throw me a little, but I'm sure I'll be ok.
Can you cross streets safely on your own?
Yep. Although we have a very annoying road here, but yes I can cross the road, or streets as you call them.
Are you willing to keep a set schedule for food? We feed our pups at 9 in the morning and 8 at night, keeping as close as we can to the time interval, even if we're a bit early or late.
Yep, no problem.
Will you put down the computer and take your dog outside?
Yes
Will you play with it in the house, doing tug, throwing balls, and bonding?
That will be a little tricky for me since I'm not a fan of non working dogs, so would have to get over that fear.
Will you get out of your warm, cozy bed to take the dog out, even if it means picking up after it?
Yep. I need to get out anyway, I'm way to lazy.
Will you carry, as we lovingly term them, "Shit bags" in your pocket every time you take it out?
well I'm going to have to, so yep.
Will you carry essentials with you; doggie bags, a travel water bowl on a hot day, a towel to wipe its feet in the snow?
I'm not sure, because I'm not sure how far I'd go with the dog, and honestly? I'd not go out in the snow.
Will you buy it some booties to protect its feet from salty ice and snowy sidewalks?
Again, I'm not going out in the snow as far as i know, and hmm I don't know. Maybe, but I' m not bying it a swetter and bow lol.
Will you be an alpha, a leader, a parent and a protector? Will you take no bullshit from your dog, but still be proud of its accomplishments?
I'll try
Are you good with animals?
At the current time, no.
Do you have a sense of how dogs think, do you have some idea of their psychology?
No I can't say I do.
Will you be able to tell people, kids, old ladies that "No, sorry, she's working. You can't pet her?" Yes and if they insist I will tell the dog to walk away.
Or will you choose to get a sign for the harness?
No, no sign for me.
Will you go places with your dog, or just sit inside for day after day while it gets bored and loses its training?
Yes.
Will you brush out its coat every few days? Will you learn when it's better to leave the dog behind, and whether or not the pup will be too scared? Will you puppy proof your house,and be firm with other
s who may say negative things about your dog? Can you handle it if someone accuses you of abuse when they see you correcting your dog? If a family member says you have to leave the dog behind, are you able to stand up for your partner, and can you make the decision that it might be better to let him stay home?
Yes, again, I'll get all this kind of training. As for puppies, it won't be a puppy.
If a place tells you you can't come in with the dog, how will you handle it?
I will tell them that the rules say that I am aloud and if they say no again, I will not do what I've herd some people do and kick up a fuss. I will be kind and say okay that's completely fine and find another shop.
I have thought about these answers, I'll admit not in great detail since I'm going to phone the uk guide dog charity tomorrow.
Thanks so much for all these questions.
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