Please don’t distract! – a postcard from Guide Dogs

Please don’t distract! – a postcard from Guide Dogs

The postcard shows a guide dog and owner walking past some badly fenced roadworks. They are being put in danger by distractions from two noisy motorcyclists and their flapping chicken passenger!

Local residents are urged to take the lead from the postcard message, considering the problems distracting a working guide dog could cause.

Calling or stroking a guide dog without permission could distract the dog from its important job of safely providing its owner with mobility, freedom and independence.

Guide Dogs is keen for local people to recognise the fine distinction between offering a guide dog owner help, and avoiding distracting their canine companion.

Tom Pey, guide dog owner and Director of Policy for Guide Dogs says: “People must understand that when the harness is on, the guide dog is doing a vital job and should not be distracted by well wishers hugging and stroking the dog.

“Sometimes guide dog owners may want a bit of help; when they do, they normally drop the harness. So, we’re not asking people to totally ignore guide dog owners, but we are encouraging them to ask our visually impaired clients if their dogs are off duty before stroking them.

“When a guide dog isn’t working, it loves to play and receive attention like any other pet.  However, when the harness is on distractions can be hazardous, in a similar way to endangering lives by distracting drivers on a motorway.”      

Guide dog owners will indicate they want a bit of human assistance by placing the handle of the dog’s harness on its back. For example, they may need help at road crossings, or locating specific shops.