Commission for Inclusion of People with Handicapping Conditions

10 Important Dos and Don'ts of Interacting with a Guide Dog

1. Please don't touch, talk, feed, or otherwise distract the dog while it is wearing its harness. Allow the dog to concentrate and perform for the safety of its handler.
2. Please don't call the dog by its name. Understand for safety reasons, some blind or visually impaired people will not reveal a guide dog's name to strangers.
3. Please don't give the dog commands. Let the handler do so.
4. Please don't try to take control in situations unfamiliar to the dog or its handler. Assist the handler upon request, and always ask before you attempt to help.
5. Please don't walk on the dog's left side as it may become distracted or confused. Walk on the handler's right side but several paces behind.
6. Please don't attempt to grab or steer the handler while the dog is guiding him or her, and please do not attempt to hold the dog's harness. Ask if your assistance is needed and, if so, offer your left arm.
7. Please don't allow children to tease or abuse the dog. Allow it to concentrate on its job or rest undisturbed.
8. Please don't allow pets to challenge or intimidate a guide dog. Let them meet on neutral ground when all animals can be carefully supervised.
9. Please don't pat a guide dog on the head. Stroke the dog on the shoulder area, but only with the handler's approval.
10. Please address the handler and not the guide dog.