Seeing Eye Dogs?

Question

I'm in college, and I will be rooming with a girl that needs a seeing eye dog. I've hung out with this girl often enough that I've gotten to know her dog. I've never encountered a seeing eye dog before, so I don't know if her dog's behavior is normal or not. For example, she follows commands like "forward" and "stop," but when it comes to her sitting down at a table, the girl almost has to push the dog to the floor. And if the dog sees food on the ground, she will try to eat it, even if it isn't close to her. I know normal dogs do that, but shouldn't seeing eye dogs have been trained to only do what their masters tell them? I would ask my roommate, but I don't want to hurt her feelings because I know she likes her dog very much. Also, since I will be living with the dog next year, are there any special "seeing eye dog rules" that are different from regular dog rules, just so I don't act too casual with it, and maybe affect it's special training? Thanks for any help or suggestions!

Answer 1

service dogs have usually been trained to ignore such things as food on the floor and should not have to be pushed down to sit. either this dog was not trained properly or the rules have not been enforced with him. i don't think it would hurt your roomates feelings if you ask about the dogs training. since it is her dog, she would be the one to ask about any special rules. she knows him best.

Answer 2

My understanding is that the dog is trained strictly to do as instructed and is not easily distracted. The public should not try to be over friendly with the dog. I myself ignore the dog. I would love to pet and hug these dogs rewarding them, but I know I can't. This dog may not have been trained correctly. Find out how many times a time the dog is feed. Under no circumstance should you not tell this girl what you are observing

Answer 3

Occasionally it is necessary for 'Seeing Eye Dogs' to have their training reinforced. The group that did the original training would be responsible for it but the owner/handler has to be made aware of the behavior. Don't hesitate to ask her about it and whether she tolerates it or not.
The only rule that I'm aware of as told by a person with one of these special dogs is to 'never touch or offer to pat an assistance dog when they are working'.

Answer 4

It's possible that the dog was trained, but your friend allowed the dog to get away with certain things..

I am not positive, but I think the general rule of not bothering the dog while it's working would be all you would need. Once he is ' released ' unless otherwise noted by your friend, he is available for pets and snuggles.. I wouldn't offer treats or ask him to do anything that she doesn't advise.. Her dog, if she wants to mess him up, that's her, but she won't want you messing with things.

Answer 5

Seeing Eye Dogs are supposed to be trained to ignore distractions. However, if the blind owner doesn't enforce these rules, the dog might forget them.

Answer 6

They are supposed to be even more obedient than regualar dogs. Try not to leave any food on the ground. If she doesn't sit, force her to sit. If it doesn't work, take her to a breeder or an educated person. Or, you can get another one.