Pros and cons of guide dogs

Doubtful_Guest

Hi,

My wife is registered blind (as well as having a few other health problems) and is having a visit from the Guide Dogs for the Blind person in a couple of weeks for an initial assessment.

Although her vision has been deteriorating for a few years it's only in the last 18 months that it's become very bad and she's been registered severely sight impaired for a year now. Initially, she didn't have much help or support but she's recently had a new rehab officer assigned who has done a few mobility training sessions with her which has helped a lot. She gets very anxious sometimes and she's only just beginning to use public transport (with support) with a view to trying to become an independant traveller again. It's been a bit of a hard road for her to adjust psychologically and she's taken a long time (and a few nasty falls) to accept that she needs to use her long cane.

Her mobility trainer recommended she apply for a guide dog. They're coming out to do an initial assessment soon. We've heard a bit about the process but we don't really know much about the reality of having/using the dog.

So, anyone who has one - what are the benefits over a long cane ? Are there any drawbacks ? What questions should we be asking ? Is there anything else we should bear in mind before going ahead ?

Thanks

dane-katie

Didnt want to read and run, i dont know anything about guide dogs but good luck

GlasweJen

The dog has intuition, the cane doesn't.

In my experience the dogs are a positive thing, drawbacks are that they are dogs and require outings "off duty" to do their business and just be dogs. You need to have a run set up for the dog and you also need to go on a 4 week course before you get the dog in order to bond and learn how to work with the dog.

Guide dogs can also be trained tailored to the persons needs, I've met guide dogs who can call emergency services, activate disability alert alarms, unload washing machines etc.

jetta_wales

We considered getting a guide dog but since I already have two dogs it wouldn't really be practical. Our two just wouldn't understand why the new dog gets to go out with me and they don't (I can't take them shopping for instance, well my Papillon fits nicely in a dog carry bag lol but the bigger one doesn't).

If you want other options, combining iGlasses with a long cane can give you pretty comprehensive assistance in being safely mobile. I use a cane but still get swotted in the face by over hanging branches for instance. The iGlasses aren't an option for me as I need sunglasses with cat 4 tint in them but here's the link if you want to know more about them.

http://www.ambutech.com/iglasses

Oh just seen the RNIB shop has them now too.

http://www.rnib.org.uk/shop/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?category=canes_mobility&productID=ME1401

GlasweJen

Jetta, totally off topic but one of my old papillions sisters was a registered hearing dog.

Doubtful_Guest

Thanks for the replies.

A big advantage for DW would be the dog's ability to actually navigate familiar routes. At the moment, the cane is a big help to her in terms of avoiding stumbling on uneven pavements and being able to avoid obstacles without having to take someone's arm. But she isn't confident enough in her ability to navigate routes to be able to go anywhere on her own really. The cane lets her walk down the street independantly but she still wants someone with her to tell her where she is in relation to the shop door etc.

Also, supposedly it's less tiring to walk with the dog than with the cane. DW finds that her shoulder really aches after a lot of walking because every vibration transfers up the cane and potholes and kerbs jar her shoulder.

Fingers crossed, anyway.

jetta_wales

GlasweJen wrote: »

Jetta, totally off topic but one of my old papillions sisters was a registered hearing dog.

They are an exceptionally intelligent breed and the smallest breed of assistance dogs. Not so good for the blind though, if she tried to stop me from walking into a road I'd just trip over her lol.

With regard to the cane has she had proper training with it? It should be held from your centre and it kinda gets you in the tummy if it gets stuck on something but you do get used to holding it very very lightly so this happens a lot less.

It may well be that a guide dog is a good option for her but you will still have some degree of ache having to constantly hold the rigid guide lead is attached to the dogs harness. You can't just hold it casually by your side like you would a normal lead.

Also with the cane she may find changing the tip might be helpful. Mine has a marshmallow shaped roller tip on it which is very good but I also have one with a very large round rollerball tip (looks a bit comical tbh) which I use for grass etc like when we go camping.

Doubtful_Guest

Hi Jetta,
Yes, she's had several sessions with the mobility trainer from social services. I don't know if there's a standard technique but she's been taught to move it between 10 and 2 on an imaginary clockface on the ground in front of her. She used to have a rollerball that was about the size of a pingpong ball but she's graduated to a smaller end-thing now. I suspect a lot of her soreness is due to the really badly uneven pavement surfaces round here - loads of potholes and lumpy tarmac.

Doubtful_Guest

I just wanted to update those who replied.

We had the visit from two staff members and a guide dog today to explain the process, answer any questions and start the ball rolling.

It was really positive and they clarified all the areas we were unsure about and my wife has decided to go ahead with her application. Her doctor will be supplying a medical report and then she'll get her mobility assessment.

I'll let you know how it all goes.

PlasticMoose

Good luck. My brother has a guide dog and she's really made a massive difference to his life.