Hi I'm Ethan. I have a vision impairment. This means I have trouble seeing, even with glasses on.
Because I have such trouble seeing, I use this white cane with a red tip to help so I don't bump into things.
Today my Mom and Dad are taking me to get a service dog named Bruno.
A service dog is a dog specifically trained to help someone with a disability.
Service dogs can be used to help people with vision and hearing impairment, physical disabilities, seizure disorders, autism, diabetes, and mental illness.
Hi! I am here to pick up my service dog.
Welcome to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.
Hi Pal! Remeber me from training in Oakville?
Ethan, here's Bruno
Bruno like all service dogs had to under go 6 months of specific training to learn how to be my guide dog. We then had to spend time in a special school to learn together.
Bye, thank you!
I cant wait to take Bruno to school and teach all my friends about service dogs.
Bruno makes me feel confident and independent. He is trained to help me navigate stairs, curbs and anything I might trip over.
Ethan, can you tell the class about Bruno?
Hi puppy!
WAIT! Don't pet him please.
Ok class, this is my service dog Bruno. There are some rules that you need to follow when meeting a service dog.
Rule number one: Always ask before petting a service dog.
oops, sorry Ethan.
A service dogs harness, like Bruno's, tells you that the dog is working.
This is the dog's way of telling you "Please don't distract me, im working to keep my owner safe"
A treat for Bruno.
Never offer food to a service dog. You could make him sick and unable to work.
chase us! ...oops!
Do not encourage excitable play in a service dog. The dog could pull or run from its owner which could be dangerous.
Okay
When walking with someone who has a service dog, walk behind their right shoulder so you can talk to the person but not distract the dog.
Its okay. If you notice a service dog misbehaving, do not try and correct the dog yourself. Tell the dog owner what the dog is doing and let them take control.
Bad dog! Come back here.
If you are walking your own dog down the street and see a service dog and owner approaching, take your dog away from the service dog. This keeps both dogs and owners safe.
The most important rule is: If you're not sure of something ask the dog owner. They will be happy to remind you of these rules.
You're welcome.
Great job Ethan! Thank you for teaching us all about service dog etiquette.