Tips for Guide Dog Users

• Be patient. Let your dog do its job.
• Don’t let people pet or feed your dog while it’s in the harness.
• Be consistent. Don’t allow your dog to misbehave. Keep techniques for safe travel the same. Consistent expectations remind your dog that you are the leader.
• Familiarize yourself with routes and practice them.
• Learn routes to the vet, dog groomer, and pet store.
• Learn a route to exercise your dog. Exercise keeps dogs happy and healthy.
• To keep your dog motivated, vary the routes you travel.
• Learn where to find garbage containers along the way.
• Be a responsible dog user. Carry doggy bags—stoop and scoop every time.
• Carry hand sanitizer to use after scooping.
• Bring a water dish and water when you travel. Collapsible water dishes are available at pet stores.
• Listen to weather reports before travelling. Extremely hot or cold conditions aren’t good for people or for dogs.
• Praise your dog for a job well done.
• Play with your dog.
• Avoid moving turns at rounded corners. Always stop, turn, plant your feet and then command your dog.