To the editor:

I enjoyed reading the article about the local couple that is volunteering to assist with the training of a future dog guide or service dog here in Lawrence. Properly trained service dogs and dog guides can provide valuable assistance to their handlers.

As an orientation and mobility instructor, I wish to clarify an inaccuracy in the article. The article states that “a guide dog must know when to lead their master across a busy street.” In reality, the handler of the dog guide should make the decision about when to cross the street based on sensory information that he/she gathers. The master commands the dog when to initiate a crossing based on traffic surges, traffic directionality, traffic patterns, tactile information and the timing intervals of the intersection.

The public must recognize the complexities a person using a dog guide faces when crossing a busy intersection. Allowing them the opportunity to focus their attention on sensory information is important so that they can command the dog when to cross. The public also can assist by not petting or talking to a dog guide that is in its harness. The dog can then assist by traveling in a straight line and protecting the handler from making contact with obstacles. When the handler and the dog work together, the beauty of independent travel shines on all.

Mark Craig,

Lawrence