September is National Guide Dog Month. Have you ever wondered what to do when your pet meets a guide dog? Here are some tips, courtesy of The Seeing Eye:
10 Ways to Protect Dog Guide Teams:
- Learn about and obey your state and local leash laws. In many states it's a criminal offense to permit your dog to attack or interfere with a dog guide.
- Never let your pet near a dog guide, even if your dog is leashed. Dog guides are working animals and must never be distracted from their duties.
- Alert the blind person of your dog’s presence when passing by the team. A simple greeting of “Hi, I have a dog with me” is often appreciated.
- Keep your dog under good control at all times. Using a retractable leash in populated areas and leaving your dog tied up outside unattended in a public place endanger both the dog guide team and your own dog.
- Never allow a child or anyone unable to control your dog to walk it on a leash.
- Learn as much as possible about your family pet and its breed characteristics, especially relating to temperament.
- Enroll your dog in obedience classes. Properly socialized and trained dogs make better pets.
- Immunize against rabies and spay or neuter all dogs.
- Report any loose dogs roaming about in your neighborhood to the local police and animal control offices. Unsupervised pets in unfenced yards should also be reported.
- Offer assistance to a blind handler if you witness an attack or interference on a dog guide. If it is your dog that causes harm, take responsibility for its actions.
