Guide dog owners in North Yorkshire call on people not to disturb their animals
Research suggest 1 in 6 people admit distracting dogs while they are working
A Guide Dog owner from Harrogate is issuing a plea to the public to not distract working guide dogs, especially during the festive season.
The Guide Dogs Charity says 90% of people with a vision impairment admit they worry about the additional changes and challenges the festive season can bring, and one in six people who can see admit they have distracted a Guide Dog before.
For those with sight loss, loud environments where conversations can be difficult to follow (67%), Christmas pop-ups such as markets that alter familiar routes (76%) and distracting dazzling lights (38%) can turn going out to celebrate over the holiday season into a daunting task.
In fact, nearly one quarter (23%) of guide dog owners even cancel or change Christmas plans to avoid the festive rush, concerned about the additional difficulties they face over Christmas. 55% of guide dog owners say that Christmas is the time of year guide dogs are most distracted by members of the public compared to other months, with more people out and about. Two thirds (62%) of guide dog owners say their dog is distracted at least once a day from well-meaning passers. Distracting a dog can come in many forms with guide dog owners reporting common issues such as petting, whistling, taking pictures and offering food or treats.
The charity found one in six people (17%) admit they’ve distracted a guide dog, with 23% stating they forget the dog is at work and nearly one in three (29%) not understanding the danger of distracting a guide dog for their owner. While those with visual impairments do appreciate offers of assistance where appropriate, even petting a dog as an act of kindness (which 61% of people admit to) can be distracting.
Kim Murphy, owner of guide dog Jango from Harrogate North Yorkshire says: "As a guide dog owner I have to remind people regularly of 'harness on - hands off!'
"I know Jango is very appealing however when he's working, he needs to concentrate to keep me safe and any distractions can be disastrous. I have had someone grab his lead whilst he was guiding me, patting him whilst he is stood waiting in a shop queue, clicking their tongue to try get his attention and even offering him food! I am very quick to tell people that distracting a guide dog is the same as putting your hands over someone's eyes whilst they are driving a car!"