Pete Bungay, from Christchurch, has actually been partnered with his four-year-old guide dog Stevie given that 2020 and says he consistently handles sidetracking behaviours from the general public when out and about.
“Stevie is my link to the world,” he said. “We are a collaboration so when he’s operating in a harness he requires to concentrate on the job in hand to keep us safe.
“When people distract Stevie it means that he might not pay attention to a road, a crossing or an obstacle and that could lead to both of us being hurt.”
Guide dogs are typically provided to those who are blind, deaf or struggle with movement problems to help browse them in their daily lives.
Most reported problems with individuals sidetracking a guide dog comes consist of petting, whistling, taking photos and offering food and treats.
According to Guide Dogs UK, more than 55 percent of guide dog owners state members of the general public sidetrack their dogs a minimum of when a day, regardless of 85 percent of Brits thinking the work of guide dogs is important.
Tim Stafford, director of canine affairs at Guide Dogs UK, said: “We kindly ask the public to respect guide dogs’ jobs by refraining from petting, talking to, or distracting them while on duty. Our guide dogs need to focus on guiding their handlers safely, by treating them with the same courtesy as you would any other uniformed worker.”
