What to do when you meet a
Canine Vision Canada Dog Guide Team?

More and more blind people are being trained with a Dog Guide from Canine Vision Canada. It is important that all sighted people understand how a Canine Vision Canada Dog Guide Team works. We should know how to act when we meet a blind person and a Canine Vision Canada Dog Guide.

• People using a Dog Guide are independent and want to be treated that way.
• They will certainly ask if they require assistance; if you feel they may need assistance, simply say "May I help you?"
• The Dog Guide will usually be on the left side of the blind person, so if the person needs assistance, approach from the right, or opposite side and offer your arm.
• If the blind person is seeking assistance to cross the street, take them all the way across and up onto the opposite curb where the dog will know to resume his duties.
• Do not pet a Dog Guide when it is in harness. Always ask the handlers permission as to whether you can pet the dog or not.
• Never feed a Dog Guide. The handler looks after the dog's diet very carefully, and the dog works most efficiently when the recommended diet is followed.

Remember, a Canine Vision Canada graduate is an independent person. He, or she, enjoys the increased mobility and confidence that the Dog Guide gives them. We admire our Dog Guide handlers for their keen sense of independence.