Seeing-Eye Dogs (SEDs), help people with low vision or blindness gain mobility by guiding them around obstacles and identifying objects within sight upon command. Seeing-Eye Dogs wear a special harness with a handle for their owners to hold onto.
*Here's the link to understand more about Hearing Dogs: https://youtu.be/8Eq2bx1qcag
1. Seeing-Eye Dogs help guide their handler with vision loss around obstacles, helping them move around with confidence and independence.
Seeing-Eye Dogs are taught to identify and alert their handler to danger like approaching steps, curbs, and overhead obstacles. And while SEDs are not GPSs, they can remember everyday routes and guide with confidence, easing the stress on their handler.
Seeing-Eye Dogs practice intelligent disobedience to prioritise the handler’s safety and will not guide a handler into dangerous situations (such as oncoming vehicles) even if a command was given.
Seeing-Eye ADs that K9Assistance will provide, start their training from the time they are weaned, at about 8 weeks old.
During their puppyhood from 8 weeks to 1 year, they are socialised to be exposed to as many people, environments, and situations as possible. This is so they will grow into confident dogs that will not be phased when in different environments when working. They are also taught basic obedience skills.
From the time they are 1-2 years old, they undergo formal training with an Assistance Dog Instructor, learning specific tasks to assist blind or vision-impaired persons.
After they have completed their training, they will be matched with a potential blind or vision-impaired handler.
