From The Seeing Eye in Morris Town:
Study Exposes Space in Public Understanding:
Relatively Innocent Interactions Hazardous to Seeing Eye® Teams
Research Study Released in Journal of Visual Problems & Loss Of Sight
Exposes Requirement for Education
In a research study released in the Journal of Visual Problems & Loss Of Sight89 percent of Seeing Eye dog handlers had actually experienced individuals disrupting the work of their dogs by speaking with or attracting them through purposeful, extended eye contact.
Seeing Eye dog handlers who were surveyed commented that while speaking with or cuddling their dogs without authorization, members of the general public made declarations such as, “I know I’m not supposed to, but I can’t help myself.”
Subtle public interactions such as making eye contact or stating hey there to a guide dog might appear harmless, however these short-term interruptions can cause humiliation or perhaps threaten the group’s security.
“We know that people love animals and are fascinated by something they may not understand very well, which is the guide dog and handler partnership,” says Melissa Allmanthe advocacy & federal government relations professional at The Seeing Eye.
“As a Seeing Eye dog handler myself, I am relying on my dog to safely guide me, and when someone pulls her attention away from that task, it’s disruptive and could lead to injury.”
The research study likewise took a look at disturbance from animal dogs and exposed that animal owners tend to overstate their own capability to handle their dogs when coming across a guide dog group. More than three-quarters of participants reported leashed however improperly managed dogs as the primary source of diversion from other dogs.
“I rely on my dog to help me travel throughout my daily life in a safe and dignified manner,” Allman describes. “When an unfamiliar dog approaches us, it’s startling because I can’t see the dog’s body language and protect myself or my dog if that dog is unfriendly. We count on pet owners to be responsible and keep their dogs at a safe distance.”
SECRET TAKEAWAYS FROM THE RESEARCH STUDY
- 89 percent of Seeing Eye dog handlers experienced individuals disrupting the work of their dogs a minimum of sometimes by speaking with them or making eye contact
- 78 percent had actually experienced disturbance from other dogs frequently; disturbance from other dogs was typically non-aggressive
- 78.7 percent of participants reported disturbance from leashed however unchecked dogs
Loose dogs hindered 61.8 percent of participants’ dogs - 36 percent reported other dogs making aggressive physical contact with their dogs
HOW YOU CAN HELP
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- Please disregard working dogs when you experience them. Petting, speaking with, or making purposeful, extended eye contact with a working guide dog is sidetracking to the dog and disrupts the handlers travel and their security
- Constantly keep your animal far from a guide dog, even if your dog is leashed. Let the blind individual understand you exist. A fast welcoming such as “Hello, I have a dog with me” is frequently valued
- Keep your dog under good control at all times. Follow the leash laws for your location. Prevent making use of a retractable leash in inhabited locations or leaving your dog bound outdoors ignored.
- Deal help to a blind handler if you witness an attack or disturbance on a guide dog group. A sighted witness to an attack is important if police is contacted us to the scene. If it is your dog that triggers damage, please take duty for its actions.
- For additional information about a civil service project to spread out awareness about how to communicate with a guide dog group, please visit here.
This post, Disturbance With the Work of Dog Guides in Public: A Studyby Melissa Allman, Kathleen Freeberg, and Katy M. Evans and released in Journal of Visual Problems & Loss Of Sightwill be totally free to gain access to for a restricted time and can be read here.
About The Seeing Eye
Developed in 1929, The Seeing Eye supplies specifically reproduced and trained dogs to guide individuals who are blind. Seeing Eye dog users experience significantly improved movement and self-reliance, enabling them to keep their active way of lives regardless of loss of sight. The Seeing Eye is a 501(c)3 non-profit supported by contributions from people, corporations and structures, bequests, and other prepared presents.
The Seeing Eye is a trademarked name and can just be utilized to explain the dogs reproduced and trained at the school’s centers in Morristown, N.J. If you would like more info on The Seeing Eye, please check out the websitecall (973) 539-4425, or email here.
