South African guide dogs make a massive impact in South Africa; this is what it takes to raise and train a guide dog for a blind person.
South Africa (14 April 2023) – Who doesn’t love dogs? They’re furry, friendly, with their wagging tails and loyal personalities. As our loyal companions, we spoil them with cuddles, scratches, and even speak to them like they are humans. But some dogs have bigger roles to fill: in becoming new eyes for people who are visually impaired.
These special pups are trained to assist people with visual impairments or autism spectrum disorder and provide them with the extra help they need to navigate the world. From picking up dropped items to helping them cross the road, guide dogs are a lifeline for their owners. They’re not just man’s best friend, they’re everyone’s hero.
Training and raising a guide dog
The process of raising and training a guide normally begins with selecting a suitable puppy. The puppy is then placed with a volunteer guardian who provides the puppy with a loving home environment and socialises them around people, other animals and in different environments. The pup’s foster parent also provides basic obedience training, such as sit, stay, come, and heel. It’s all about getting your furry friend ready to be a rockstar guide dog.
When guide dogs are around 14 to 16 months old, they head back to the training centre for intensive training and serious schooling. This is usually for four to eight months and involves mobility training and specialised tasks such as manoeuvring around obstacles and avoiding hazards. Each pup gets paired up with a dedicated trainer who works closely with them and evaluates their progress. Once training is wrapped up, the pup gets matched up with someone who needs their help, and they undergo further training to make sure they are compatible and make the perfect team.
If any issues pop up later, the South African Guide Dogs Association for the Blind is always there to offer support and keep the partnership going strong. In South Africa, guide dogs are often raised and trained by such specialised organisations.
The importance of guide dogs and their impact
The bond between a guide dog and its human is remarkably strong, extending beyond mere assistance to a cherished companionship. The positive impact of these faithful canines on their owners’ lives cannot be overstated. With a guide dog as their trusty sidekick, owners can confidently explore new places, engage in social activities, and pursue their goals and interests with ease. The presence of a guide dog can also bring an unparalleled sense of empowerment, providing their owners with a newfound feeling of self-sufficiency and control.
In essence, guide dogs serve as a vital support system, enhancing the independence, well-being, and overall quality of life of those who depend on them, making them an integral part of their daily lives.
Do’s and don’ts of owning a guide dog
Owning a guide dog requires a high level of consideration, responsibility, and commitment and it is important to provide proper care for your guide dog, respect its working role, and advocate for its rights as a service animal. There are a few things to consider when owning a guide dog:
- Providing your pup with proper nutrition, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care. Keep your guide dog clean and groomed to avoid infections.
- Use positive techniques to train and reinforce good behaviour.
- Always respect your guide dog’s working role and avoid you, or others, distracting it while it is on duty. Be patient with your pup as it learns to adapt to new environments and situations.
- Advocate for your guide dog’s rights and ensure that it is allowed access to public spaces and transportation.
- Don’t leave your dog alone for extended periods or neglect its needs.
Different dogs all serve a different purposes
It is very important to note that not all dogs serve the same purpose. Guide Dogs are working dogs specifically trained to assist visually impaired individuals in navigating the world. Service Dogs are trained to assist physically disabled individuals, while Autism support dogs are specially selected to work with children with autism.
The work of specialised organisations like the South African Guide Dogs Association for the Blind, in raising and training guide dogs in South Africa is crucial in providing support and independence for the visually impaired.
Boehringer Ingelheim’s passion and support for these hard-working pups reinforces the significance of these organisations’ work. With collaborative efforts, we can hope for a future where those in need of a guide dog can live their lives to the fullest.
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