Seeing Eye Dogs

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Seeing Eye Dogs

A seeing Eye Dogs, are assistance dogs trained to lead blind or visually impaired people around obstacles.

Persons who are blind and have the aid of a seeing eye dog tout the animal for their ability to live a seemingly independent life. These dogs can lead their blind owners around their homes, neighborhoods and even down a busy sidewalk in a big city. Seeing eye dogs are able to alert their owners of curbs, stairs, looming obstacles and more. Seeing eyes dogs also have the ability to help a blind individual cross the street. Seeing eye dogs are able to retrieve items their owners may need, as well as alerting their owners to danger.

The name of one of the more popular training schools for such dogs, The Seeing Eye, Inc. The Seeing Eye, Incorporated (often abbreviated as TSE) is located in Morristown, New Jersey. It is the first guide dog school in the United States. A beautiful campus, here blind students learn to work with their guide dogs, as well as on the streets of Morristown. Their mission statement is:

..to enhance the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of blind people through the use of Seeing Eye dogs.

The Seeing Eye breeds their own dogs, in the Washington Valley Breeding Center, located in Chester, New Jersey. The Seeing Eye uses German Shepherds, Yellow and Black Labrador Retrievers, and-most recently added - Golden Retrievers. TSE will also cross Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers as well. The Seeing Eye will also have the occasional Boxer donated, and by request, for those blind people who might have allergies or can not handle regular dog fur in their everyday lives.

Early on, trainers began to recognize which breeds produced dogs most appropriate for guide work; today, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and German Shepherds are most likely to be chosen, though by no means does this mean other breeds, such as Collies, Vizslas, and Dobermanns, are not. Crosses such as Golden Retriever/Labrador, which are popular due to both breeds' known intelligence, work-ethic, and early maturation, and Labradoodles, Labrador/Poodles bred in an attempt to provide dogs suitable for those with hair or dander allergies, are also common.

A list of guide dog(Seeing Eye Dogs) or dog guide schools world wide.

The first step for a person interested in obtaining a dog ask your physician or Humane Society about programs in your area. Secondly, it is important to know that each person is able to benefit from the use of a guide dog. Good travel skills are one of the keys to successful travel with a guide dog. Completing an orientation and mobility course is mandatory.

In addition a person must be capable physically, mentally and emotionally to complete class and maintain and utilize the dog when they return home.

Most seeing eye dogs are free of charge to those that qualify. If a fee is required, the fee is usually very small. The training of seeing eye dogs is generally funded by donations made by individuals, as well as private organizations.

The Growing Use Of Pets As Therapy

By: Lisa Scott

The inclusion of pets into hospital and rehabilitation environments has long been considered very therapeutic, and pets continue to be an important part of life long after rehabilitation has ended.

In addition to filling lonely hours with companionship, pets can be trained, much like the more familiar Seeing Eye dogs, to perform tasks and assist persons with disabilities in many different ways.

The responsibility for pet care can enhance cognitive functioning in ways that are more subtle and enjoyable than traditional therapies. Fun activities often stimulate individuals with low motivation in ways that are not often achieved by sitting in front of a television set for hours on end.

Pets are very good companions and help people feel less lonely. They also respond with feedback which can negate inappropriate behaviours, and interest in a pet may redirect egocentricity that may arise from frontal lobe deficits.

Selecting a pet can be turned into a cognitive exercise of planning. The choice of a pet should be fun, not fraught with discord. It’s important to consider all options e.g. a sophisticated set up of aquariums with pumps and filters may be too complex for some.

Pets must be cared for, otherwise they fail to thrive. This may be a hard lesson, possibly from time to time even cruel for the animal, but individuals with brain injury must learn or relearn this important fact of life.

Naturally a responsible adult should intervene if the pet’s health or well-being is adversely affected. When limitations arising from the ABI are barriers to independently caring for a pet of choice, talk with the individual about strategies that will enable more independence and determine what duties will be managed by whom so responsibilities can be monitored. Almost everyone loves animals.

This often enhances social skills building for individuals when encountering others in the park, neighbourhoods and other places people congregate with pets. Have you ever been able to pass without noticing or striking up a conversation with someone sitting on a park bench with a colourful, exotic bird perched on his or her shoulder?

Pets are great conversation pieces. Individuals with severe brain injury and other impairing conditions often have little control over their lives. Owning a pet can provide an opportunity for controlling at least one facet of their lives - their pet!

Pets always have time for sharing with their owners and their loyalty is indisputable.Pet therapy is a well-established routine in many hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centres.

Anecdotal accounts tell of the benefits of pets being in the presence of people in all stages of recovery, rehabilitation and even end-stage illnesses. The comforting and calming affect of stroking a furry animal often elicits more relaxing facial expressions and/or postures in persons even thought to be in minimally-responsive states.

Nonverbal individuals generally respond with contented smiles when pets are introduced into their environment. Almost all individuals with disabilities can take some responsibility for the care of an animal, even if it’s no more than a daily stroking or play session.

Dogs are frequently trained to assist individuals with brain injury, particularly those with mobility impairments. Custom-styled saddlebags can be placed on the dog and used for carrying personal items, wallet, daily journal and other items needed by those using wheelchairs and/or other assisting devices that increase mobility.

Pets are indeed wonderful companions and can frequently impact positively even on those for whom other therapies, exercises and/or future promise for continuing recovery hold little interest.

Article Source: SubmitYourNewArticle

Pet therapy, exploring a growing trend.