Notes

Dogs are man's best friend. They are also very good workers and many dogs are given tasks to perform which help us.

Have you ever seen a dog leading someone around? These dogs are known as guide dogs and they are highly trained to help blind or visually impaired people move around either at home or in public.

Labradors are the most commonly used breeds, but sometimes other breeds such as golden retrievers and German shepherds are used. Dogs who are trained need to be intelligent, obedient, friendly and have a willingness to learn and concentrate.

When a suitable pup is about eighteen months old, it is ready to learn difficult skills from a special trainer. It learns to walk ahead and to the left. The pup learns to stop at kerbs, cross the road, go around objects, stop at stairs and avoid any possible dangers. It is most important that the pup is not easily distracted.

When you see a guide dog working, it is important to remember not to pat it. The dog is doing its job and should not be distracted.

Finally, when the dog is ready it meets its new master. A guide dog seems to have a hard job, but it loves its work and only asks for love and affection as its payment.