Interview With Mrs. Bristel

Mrs. Bristel is one of the teachers in our school.    She has been a puppy walker for quite a while.    

Here is what she has to say:

Q: How much time does it take to work with the dog?

A:  It takes an hour or two to spend and work with the guide dog.  Usually twice a day.

You also have to be able to take the dog to work, stores, and other places with you.

Q:  What are some things that you need to train the dog to do?

A:  One major thing that you have to train the dog to do is to train them to go to the bathroom on

command on a leash.  Never let the dog chase anything such as a Frisbee, bone, or any animal.  You

also need to train the dog the basic obedience of a regular dog and  keep it civilized.

Q:  How many years have you been a puppy walker?

A:  I have been a puppy walker for nine years.

Q:  Is it difficult to give away each dog after training?

A:  Yes, it is horrible, the graduation ceremony is called Celebration Sunday.  

It shows that the guide dog now has its independence. 

But you also feel good that you are helping someone else in need.

Q:  Are these dogs allowed to do things like normal pets while they are in your care?

A:  Yes.  Most of the things the guide dogs do are like a regular house pet.  

They DEFINITELY get spoiled!

One thing they love to do is play with chew toys.  

They are not allowed to go on the couch or a bed but they can mostly do 

everything else like a normal dog.

Q:  What do you think makes the dogs the MOST different from any other dogs?

A:  The guide dogs are very intelligent.  

They have a wonderful temperament and they know that they need to help their owner.

Over all, I really think it is their intelligence.

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