Yes, they are adorable. But try to contain yourself! Read here how to act around a guide dog (according to guidedog.com):
- The dog should never be distracted from that duty. A person’s safety may depend on their dog’s alertness and concentration.
- It is okay to ask someone if you may pet their guide dog. Many people enjoy introducing their dogs when they have the time.
- A guide dog should never be offered food or other distracting treats.
- Calling out to a guide dog or intentionally obstructing its path can be dangerous for the team as it could break the dog’s concentration on its work.
- When in a car, please don’t honk your horn or call out from your car to signal when it is safe to cross, which can be distracting and confusing.
- Guide dogs are only allowed to play with specific toys. Please don’t offer them toys without first asking their handler’s permission.
- Guide dogs are trained to stand, sit, or lie quietly in public places when not leading.
- You may encounter a guide dog wearing a head collar, which is a humane training tool that helps a dog become calm and focused when distracted.
Also! Remember the International Guide Dogs Week, running from August 7-13 2016.
(Pictures: Australiandoglover.com, moderndogmagazine.com, mirror.co.uk, daysoftheyear.com)
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