IN ORDER to drive down the frequency of attacks on guide dogs, pet owners have been told to put themselves in their pooch’s shoes.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Armidale guide dog handler Justin Hardman says sometimes a “snooty” attitude can rile up even the most placid of pups.
He said the way guide dogs carry themselves can get under the skin of passing dogs.
“When you put the harness on a dog, their body language changes – they walk around like they have a job to do,” Mr Hardman said.
“We don’t like that as humans either.
“It’s kind of like when humans get a bit snobby if they have a better job than you or a better house.
“We have social restraints as humans, but dogs don’t have that.”
Mr Hardman is working to change the dog culture in the city, holding a guide dog support session on Tuesday night.
While he said the attendance was disappointing, he is ambitious about making a difference for their city’s vision impaired residents.
He says that the number of attacks on guide dogs by other dogs was unacceptable, and many residents aren’t aware of how terrifying dog encounters can be for someone who cannot see.
“I just don’t think people understand the effect dog encounters have on guide dogs,” Mr Hardman said.
“Any encounter that causes a guide dog to be distracted from their job puts the handler in a risky situation.
“And I consider that to be an attack.”
He asked those with ideas to contact him through his Facebook profile at facebook.com/justin.hardman.54