I have now had five labradors from Guide Dogs For The Blind. None of them wanted to get wet, ever! In fact, my parents used to have a pool, they would never swim.
As I sit here watching these videos, my retired guy dog is laying on the couch, relaxing leave it together for over eight years I had to retire her at 7 1/2 years simply because she had done her work well and she was nearly 11 at the time And you’re right it’s a team relationship lillianw knows what I’m going to do before even I know what I’m going to do. She is so good at anticipating even on just a leash because when you retire of your guy dog you give up the harness, so that you won’t be tempted to Start working the dog again, but even on leash, Lillian still leads even if it’s only to the backyard to take a potty break or just down the sidewalk for a little walk she still does her duty to the best of her ability. It’s been such a great thing having a Leader Dog And I had retired guy dogs before I got an actual working dog and each dog was special in their own way. These dogs work so hard at keeping their masters out of trouble and on the right path no one can say enough about how they work and just go 100% all the time for as long as they can to serve their masters.
I would imagine that your partnership is deeper. I had three dogs that were special to me. Two of them were my protectors. The other one was my little comedian. And he loved me just as fiercely as the other two.
Hi Derek, I miss the relationship I had with my pet dog Tippy. She was an extremely clever German Shepherd/ Border Collie cross who saw me through the worst experience of my life (my granddaughter being stillborn) when she was 15 months old. Then 6 years later when my sight loss was diagnosed she helped me stay motivated and active for the first 6 months (while I had zero access to any practical professional help) unfortunately she got very I’ll and I had to make the hard decision as she was in so much pain. One of my favourite memories was taking her on one of her favourite walks a few weeks before she got I’ll- I lost concentration as we were heading home and was suddenly lost in the blur- so I put her in “dog-nav” mode and told her “Home Tip, which way?” And she led me to a different entrance to the park we’d just left. Of course then I knew my route home so laughing told her “Nice try, but we’re going home. This way Tippy” I’m sure you’ll be surprised to learn I’m a cane user and can’t imagine getting a guide dog. I had my cane training 3 months after Tippy crossed the rainbow bridge and partly due to health/ stamina issues, partly due to living in a flat with no secure garden, partly because my 2 cats don’t like other dogs (though they only stopped looking for Tippy when we moved 8 months after she died) but mostly because I can never imagine another dog taking Tippy’s place. I have to admit I don’t miss taking a dog for a walk in bad weather, at least my canes just sit happily in the umbrella stand for days if need be.
I have my first guide dog Maui a white standard poodle I have raincoats for my girl I got mine from OCCUPAWS Maui is amazing she also learned to detect my low blood sugars too which is great I have had my issues with my guide too and it’s nice to be reminded that it’s a partner ship ❤
Dogs are already special but these dogs are really special. That being said, when you get one of these dogs you really need to do as much as possible with the dog their identity is really wrapped up in the fact they are a working dog❤
I think this was well said. I had to retire my first Guide Dog unexpectedly after only eight months because she developed a really strong case of sound sensitivity. People keep asking me when I’m going to apply for another one and it it’s sometimes hard to explain all the things that go into the multi facet relationship how while getting on now would help the same way mobility wise it takes a while to build that trust and responsiveness to get to be a solid team and even aside from that the motion of the pathway to bond with a new dog while I’m still getting over the ending with my first is not something I feel would be fair for the new dog because I wouldn’t be putting my full self into it.
Love to hear about your relationship with your dog, the ups & downs, I’ll probably need help from a guide dog eventually so it’s great to hear how you both get along! 😊👍🏻
Hello, i cant help wondering how do you pick up the poop as a blind person ?. I use the white cain but i think there will be a day that i need a guide dog. Thanks greets Mak :) enjoy your day
It's easier than you think. I have a video on my channel where I demonstrate some of the other things you have to do when having a guide dog. But basically, you get a feel for when they are doing their business and then you just line up in the back so to speak lol...It all works out!
Ok. So these dogs are amazing. And trained for guiding & targeting. But I can’t help but wonder, after your relationship and bonding deepened, did your dog go beyond training and figure out that you actually can’t see? Another mystery of these incredible creatures.
That is a great question! For me it seems situation based. When we are out working, he seems to realize that I cannot see and will make sure he is watching out for me. However, when we are at home, he tends to stand in my way as if he has forgotten the work we just did! lol...But, to the heart of your question, I do think they know us in a deep way. Probably more than we can even realize. Thanks for the comment!
I have now had five labradors from Guide Dogs For The Blind. None of them wanted to get wet, ever! In fact, my parents used to have a pool, they would never swim.
As I sit here watching these videos, my retired guy dog is laying on the couch, relaxing leave it together for over eight years I had to retire her at 7 1/2 years simply because she had done her work well and she was nearly 11 at the time And you’re right it’s a team relationship lillianw knows what I’m going to do before even I know what I’m going to do. She is so good at anticipating even on just a leash because when you retire of your guy dog you give up the harness, so that you won’t be tempted to Start working the dog again, but even on leash, Lillian still leads even if it’s only to the backyard to take a potty break or just down the sidewalk for a little walk she still does her duty to the best of her ability. It’s been such a great thing having a Leader Dog And I had retired guy dogs before I got an actual working dog and each dog was special in their own way. These dogs work so hard at keeping their masters out of trouble and on the right path no one can say enough about how they work and just go 100% all the time for as long as they can to serve their masters.
I would imagine that your partnership is deeper. I had three dogs that were special to me. Two of them were my protectors. The other one was my little comedian. And he loved me just as fiercely as the other two.
Hi Derek, I miss the relationship I had with my pet dog Tippy. She was an extremely clever German Shepherd/ Border Collie cross who saw me through the worst experience of my life (my granddaughter being stillborn) when she was 15 months old. Then 6 years later when my sight loss was diagnosed she helped me stay motivated and active for the first 6 months (while I had zero access to any practical professional help) unfortunately she got very I’ll and I had to make the hard decision as she was in so much pain.
One of my favourite memories was taking her on one of her favourite walks a few weeks before she got I’ll- I lost concentration as we were heading home and was suddenly lost in the blur- so I put her in “dog-nav” mode and told her “Home Tip, which way?” And she led me to a different entrance to the park we’d just left. Of course then I knew my route home so laughing told her “Nice try, but we’re going home. This way Tippy”
I’m sure you’ll be surprised to learn I’m a cane user and can’t imagine getting a guide dog. I had my cane training 3 months after Tippy crossed the rainbow bridge and partly due to health/ stamina issues, partly due to living in a flat with no secure garden, partly because my 2 cats don’t like other dogs (though they only stopped looking for Tippy when we moved 8 months after she died) but mostly because I can never imagine another dog taking Tippy’s place.
I have to admit I don’t miss taking a dog for a walk in bad weather, at least my canes just sit happily in the umbrella stand for days if need be.
What a blessing those special guide dogs are !!!!
No doubt, Dogs are Happiness Pills! I'm waiting to be matched with my first Guide Doggie. 😄
I have my first guide dog Maui a white standard poodle I have raincoats for my girl I got mine from OCCUPAWS Maui is amazing she also learned to detect my low blood sugars too which is great I have had my issues with my guide too and it’s nice to be reminded that it’s a partner ship ❤
Dogs are already special but these dogs are really special. That being said, when you get one of these dogs you really need to do as much as possible with the dog their identity is really wrapped up in the fact they are a working dog❤
I think this was well said. I had to retire my first Guide Dog unexpectedly after only eight months because she developed a really strong case of sound sensitivity. People keep asking me when I’m going to apply for another one and it it’s sometimes hard to explain all the things that go into the multi facet relationship how while getting on now would help the same way mobility wise it takes a while to build that trust and responsiveness to get to be a solid team and even aside from that the motion of the pathway to bond with a new dog while I’m still getting over the ending with my first is not something I feel would be fair for the new dog because I wouldn’t be putting my full self into it.
Love to hear about your relationship with your dog, the ups & downs, I’ll probably need help from a guide dog eventually so it’s great to hear how you both get along! 😊👍🏻
I love listening to you talk. Good grammar, great inflections, no annoying speech habits, ya know? 😊
If only guide dog facilities are present here in the Philippines! Would honestly improve my life in all aspects.
Hello, i cant help wondering how do you pick up the poop as a blind person ?. I use the white cain but i think there will be a day that i need a guide dog. Thanks greets Mak :) enjoy your day
It's easier than you think. I have a video on my channel where I demonstrate some of the other things you have to do when having a guide dog. But basically, you get a feel for when they are doing their business and then you just line up in the back so to speak lol...It all works out!
@@LifeAfterSightLoss hehe :) thanks for answering that
Ok. So these dogs are amazing. And trained for guiding & targeting. But I can’t help but wonder, after your relationship and bonding deepened, did your dog go beyond training and figure out that you actually can’t see? Another mystery of these incredible creatures.
That is a great question! For me it seems situation based. When we are out working, he seems to realize that I cannot see and will make sure he is watching out for me. However, when we are at home, he tends to stand in my way as if he has forgotten the work we just did! lol...But, to the heart of your question, I do think they know us in a deep way. Probably more than we can even realize. Thanks for the comment!
Aren’t there dog raincoats?
They sure do! I have one for Koa that is blue. Although, it doesn't cover every area. But, sure better than noting!