Guide dogs for the blind with AMD: What you need to know!
Every year, an estimated 500,000 people worldwide suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD can lead to a significant loss of the central field of vision. This makes it more difficult for those affected to participate in society, because for many, the eyes are the gateway to the world. Reading books and newspapers or watching films becomes impossible without aids, and moving around in public spaces becomes dangerous without support. A guide dog can help, and proves to be an ideal companion in many ways. Not only do these well-trained four-legged friends bring their two-legged friends safely to their destination, their friendly nature also often facilitates contact with other people. But where do guide dogs come from and who can use their services?
A guide dog supports his owner in everyday life.
What is a guide dog?
A guide dog is a dog with a job. Its job is to guide blind people, which is why the correct working title is guide dog. In order to be able to carry out this demanding job, the guide dog is prepared for its future task from a young age. Only puppies that are docile, intelligent, peaceful and sociable are allowed to begin their training as guide dogs at a guide dog school as young dogs between the ages of 12 and 15 months. Golden retrievers, Labradors and German shepherds have these characteristics from birth and are therefore the most common guide dogs.
During the course of the almost one-year training, the guide dog learns to recognize paths and avoid obstacles. A well-trained dog also recognizes obstacles that are not obstacles for itself, such as signs or branches hanging over the sidewalk. A guide dog learns over 70 commands in order to be able to navigate its owner safely to the bakery or to a free seat on the bus when called. That is more than most people can do, some might say. In addition, the dog also learns intelligent disobedience, which means it refuses to obey a command if it could endanger the owner. The first guide dog was given to a veteran who had gone blind in the First World War in 1916 by the German Association for Medical Dogs.
Who is entitled to a guide dog?
A guide dog is considered an aid. Blind people or people with severe visual impairment, i.e. less than five percent vision in the stronger eye, are entitled to one. The cost of a fully trained guide dog is between 20,000 and 30,000 euros. The extent to which the cost carrier will cover this should be clarified in advance. It is also advisable to seek intensive advice from associations for the visually impaired and the relevant specialist groups of guide dog owners. On the one hand, this makes the path to becoming a guide dog easier, and on the other hand, your own suitability as a guide dog owner must also be checked. After all, keeping a guide dog is also a demanding task.
What are the dog owner’s responsibilities?
In the first year, it is primarily about building a trusting bond between dog and owner. The owner must learn to give clear commands, but let the dog take the lead. This requires a high level of trust. This is often particularly difficult for people with residual vision, as is the case with AMD, as they are easily irritated by changes in light and shadow and try to correct the dog's decision. Being able to follow the dog's evasive maneuvers requires a certain level of sure-footedness, which should also be maintained for several years. This should also be considered before purchasing a guide dog. In addition, even commands that are rarely used must be practiced again and again so that they are not forgotten. The dog's training therefore continues until the end of its service life, which is around nine years.
The dog also needs breaks and attention
Leading requires a dog to have to concentrate enormously. It has to perceive its surroundings precisely, find paths, recognize dangers and obstacles, and at the same time suppress its own urge to play and move. In order to be able to do this, a guide dog needs a lot of free time. If the dog is not wearing its harness, it is off duty and has the same needs as any other dog. It needs a lot of space to play and let off steam. And of course, a guide dog also needs loving attention and care. Once all the requirements have been met, there is still the necessary waiting period to bridge. Due to the special requirements, guide dogs are only trained when needed. It can therefore take up to two years before you receive your guide dog. Due to its special abilities, the guide dog can give a high degree of independence and participation in social life.
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