Guide dogs are specially trained dogs who help visually impaired or blind people to manage their day-to-day routine safely and independently. The dogs give them a high degree of individual mobility; the fact of being «out and about» as a team and the presence of the dog as their faithful companion can also help visually impaired or blind people to form more social contacts, thus contributing to better physical and mental health.
The tasks of a guide dog
Our guide dogs have a variety of talents. They learn to avoid obstacles, or to signal the presence of an object by standing still. While the guide dog owner acts as the navigator, maintaining the team’s overall direction, the dog works as the pilot, ensuring the team’s safety. The dog also helps a client to identify important everyday objects, e.g. pedestrian crossings, traffic lights, available seats, cash machines and even the doors to houses or public transport.
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