Guide Dogs NSW/ACT recently launched our new ‘In Your Hands’ campaign, aiming to make the community aware that the safety of guide dogs is in the hands of pet owners.
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Working guide dogs experience high levels of every day distractions from pet dogs, including attacks – overwhelmingly from off-lead dogs. These distractions can cause guide dog handlers, who are blind or vision impaired to experience anxiety, a loss of confidence, and have their safety and independence compromised.
We’re encouraging pet owners to keep their dogs on-lead when out in public and follow simple guide dog etiquette, to reduce these distractions.
You can help by following these simple steps:
- Keep your pet dog on a leash and under control when out and about.
- If you see a loose dog, please alert your local council.
- If you see a working guide dog in harness, please give it and its handler space.
- Don't pat, feed or otherwise distract a working guide dog. A well-intentioned pat can undo months of training.
- When approaching a guide dog team with your dog, please clearly introduce yourself to the person and say you have a dog with you.
By keeping control of your own dog, you can help create a safe community, not just for guide dogs and their handlers, but for everyone.
Dale Cleaver, CEO of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
