New research has uncovered what the public is getting wrong about guide dogs, including thinking they can read traffic lights and understand maps.
Almost a third of those surveyed believed that guide dogs can understand traffic lights, whereas 20 per cent believed that they identify bus routes. Thankfully, just four per cent stated they thought guide dogs can read maps.
The poll of 2,000 adults revealed a surprising number of myths and misconceptions around guide dogs - including nearly one in 10 believing it's OK to feed one when they're on the job.
And whilst 97 per cent said they are confident they know what a guide dog is, 64 per cent incorrectly believe they help their visually impaired owner around their own home.
In reality, a guide dog helps someone with sight loss walk safely in public places - guiding them around objects and people, avoiding trip hazards, finding kerbs, and locating shop doors and crossings. They help people feel more confident and independent, but ultimately the guide dog owner is the one to decide where they are going and is in control of when it is safe to cross the road.
To help educate the public about guide dogs and their jobs, Guide Dogs has partnered with Instant Quizzes, who supply weekly quiz packs to more than 1,000 pubs across the UK, to bring a dedicated guide dog round to quiz nights nationwide in August, putting the nation’s knowledge to the test.
Hannah Wright, Guide Dog Programme Lead at Guide Dogs, said: “A staggering 84 per cent agree we are a nation of dog lovers, and whilst our guide dogs are well-known, there are many things people get wrong.
“By dispelling these myths and misconceptions, we hope people will feel more emboldened and confident in their knowledge around guide dogs.”
Other misconceptions include the belief guide dogs can memorise entire towns and cities to lead their owner to any destination without needing directions (24 per cent) and they act like a four-legged sat nav (21 per cent). And only 26 per cent correctly recognised when not working, guide dogs get to run around off lead just like a pet dog.
There are more serious misconceptions which can have real consequences. Just two thirds knew not to approach a dog whilst it is in harness– and therefore some could unknowingly put a guide dog owner at risk simply by saying hello.
Guide dog owner Kimberley Heal said: “When my guide dog Dalby and I are out together, we're a working partnership and we both need to stay focused.
“When people try to feed, stroke or talk to Dalby while he's guiding me, it breaks his concentration and mine. That can leave us confused and put my safety at risk.
“It can be incredibly stressful because I'm constantly having to think about what's happening around me. It's especially difficult at traffic lights and crossings, where people sometimes grab me or Dalby without even asking first.
“I really appreciate it when people offer assistance respectfully, but so often people speak to my guide dog instead of me. A simple moment of consideration can make a huge difference, helping us travel safely and independently.”
List of statements some people believe are true about guide dogs
Guide dogs can go into cafes and restaurants where food is served – 66 per cent - TRUE
Guide dogs help people around their homes – 64 per cent - FALSE
Guide dogs can go into shops that aren’t dog friendly – 62 per cent - TRUE
Guide dogs get to have a retirement in later life – 56 per cent - TRUE
It’s illegal for a taxi driver without a medical exemption to refuse to carry a guide dog – 55 per cent - TRUE
You have to be officially registered as severely sight impaired to have a guide dog – 46 per cent - FALSE
Guide dogs are always working – 34 per cent - FALSE
Guide dogs get to run around off lead – 26 per cent - TRUE
Guide dogs can read traffic lights – 21 per cent - FALSE
Guide dogs are also known as blind dogs – 14 per cent - FALSE
Guide dogs can identify shops by their signage – 13 per cent - FALSE
It’s OK to feed/give a treat to a guide dog – nine per cent - FALSE
It’s acceptable to stroke a working guide dog – seven per cent – FALSE
Guide dogs themselves are blind – three per cent - FALSE
