Whether you’re preparing for your first guide dog, or you are a seasoned handler, the Client Experience Team would like to provide you with some advanced guidance on how to prepare a healthy and safe environment for your guide.
Just as you are learning your dog’s working habits, you will also be observing their house manners. While puppy raisers built a strong foundation for appropriate behaviors in the home, your dog then lived in a kennel during formal harness training for several months and may be tempted to test the waters in a new environment. It is important to keep tabs on your dog at all times while establishing a bond and teaching them what is and is not allowed. Make sure all trash cans have lids or store them in cabinets, pick up small children’s toys, keep food out of reach, and identify an accessible location for a crate, bed, or tie down. There will come a point of trust when you know your dog well enough to predict their behavior, but until then, it is important to set your guide up for success.
Some examples include, but are not limited to:
You may choose to consume these items but take extra care to keep them away from your guide, as even a small amount can cause harm when ingested. If your dog does get any of these items accidentally, call your local vet immediately. For an after-hours emergency, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Please note that a consultation fee may apply.
For more information, please visit: ASPCA.com/pet-care/animal-poison-control. (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control#:~:text=The%20ASPCA%20Animal%20Poison%20Control,(888)%20426%2D4435.)
Just as secondhand cigarette smoke can damage human lungs, it can also result in severe health conditions for dogs, most notably cancer.
To download the “Safety Considerations Letter” as a printable document, click here.
