Guide dog: what breeds are suitable for this role

In the world, more than two billion people are completely blind or suffer from visual impairment. Millions of them are not able to go to the store, pharmacy or for a walk on their own. However, they safely go outside if there is a specially trained four-legged pet nearby. How to choose a dog for this role – in the article.

Who are guide dogs

Pets were in this role a little over a century ago. During the First World War, German soldiers who lost their sight in battles began to use service dogs in everyday life.

A little over 10 years later, an American dog breeder published a long article on this topic in one of the US newspapers. The story was inspired by the visually impaired guy Morris Frank, after which he took one of the author’s dogs and went with her to Switzerland. Having taught the dog the necessary commands there, the young man returned to his homeland and went on a tour of the states to demonstrate the capabilities of guide dogs.

As a result, the country changed the legislation on the admission of dogs in public places, establishments and transport, and the first guide dog school appeared in the United States.

The guide dog accompanies the owner on the street, while helping him not to collide with passers-by, surrounding objects, bypass puddles, dangerous obstacles. The dog always stops if it sees danger on the way, thereby urging its owner to follow its example. 

She does not play the role of a guard. The cynologist educates the dog in such a way that it freely allows a large number of people to approach the owner, since in order to orientate in space, the blind must constantly be in contact with others.

What dog breeds are suitable for this role

Traditionally, it is believed that the best guide dogs are Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, which have slight differences, Giant Schnauzers, German Shepherds, Collies. However, in practice, everything is much more complicated. Experienced cynologists say that out of 100 dogs, only 25 can become guide dogs. In this case, the breed does not play a big role. Much more important is the height and character of the pet.

The dog for the blind must be non-aggressive, focused and not distracted from the assigned route. It is important that she has a good memory and can choose the right path on command. Animal health is another important criterion.

How guide dogs are trained

At the first stage, dog handlers select suitable puppies for training. They are usually 4-6 months old. Then, for a year or longer, the animal is trained. The training program includes the ability to bypass various obstacles, cross the street and move correctly along the sidewalk, climb and descend stairs, the ability to pass between closely spaced objects and follow a given route.

At the third stage, the dog handler hands over the dog to the future owner. This happens gradually so that the visually impaired and the guide dog get used to each other. At the same time, the new owner receives instructions on how to feed the pet, how to handle it, so that contact between them is established as soon as possible.

A guide dog is a devoted friend and indispensable assistant for a visually impaired or blind owner. It helps not only the blind, but also with other features. For example, a dog would be a great partner for a child with an autism spectrum disorder.