Seeing Eye Dogs, and everything you need to know about it is contained in this article. These dogs provide their vision to their masters, what more could be expected?
Seeing Eye Dogs - Dog Type Facts
Type Description:
Seeing eye dogs or guide dogs are specially trained dogs that are used to enable the visually impaired persons in their daily chores.
Labradors are the prime choice in training seeing eye dogs. Golden retrievers and German shepherds also make good guide dogs. Some boxers and other mixed breeds can be trained.Varieties:
AKC Group:
Almost all breeds that can be used as seeing eye dogs belong to the working group.Popularity:
Seeing eye dogs are very popular among the visually challenged persons.History:
Seeing eye dogs were first trained in Germany after the First World War to help soldiers who lost their sight in the war. US started its first school for training guide dogs in New Jersey in 1929.Physical Traits:
Seeing eye dogs are agile, muscular dogs with keen senses of vision and hearing.
Seeing Eye Dogs - Dog Type Defining Characteristics
Shared Characteristics:
These dogs are always alert and courageous. They are well trained to protect their masters and themselves from injuries.Training:
Training a dog to be a guide dog is an intricate and expensive process. Training is done by professional coaches in special dog schools.Child Friendly:
Guide dogs prove good companions to visually impaired children and develop very friendly ties with them.
Seeing Eye Dogs - Dog Type Concerns
Benefits:
Seeing eye dogs protect their masters from accidents and facilitate them to perform their chores normally. They help their owners in getting around places and hence gaining mobility.Liabilities:
Some seeing eye dogs may be very earnest and may endanger their masters by leading them wrongly. This may also be a cause of poor training.
They are generally healthy. Regular vet visits are necessary to keep them in their good health.Health Issues:
Specific Care Needs:
They require no special care than what any other normal dog would require.Special Household Needs:
The house should be kept as unencumbered as possible to allow the dog to guide its owner freely. There should be not delicate and fragile objects in their path.
Seeing Eye Dogs - How to Choose a Dog Type
What to Look for:
Check out dogs that have a keen sense of hearing and vision. They must be actively alert to the surroundings.Supplies:
Seeing eye dogs require no additional supplies; regular dog supplies would do.Expense:
It is highly expensive to own a seeing eye dog. The price is inclusive of their training, which itself may cost up to $20000.