COVID19 and Guide Dog Mobility: Challenges & Solutions 

We are living in unusual and unprecedented times. With the COVID-19 virus, we all have adjusted our daily routines through limiting activity, adhering to social distance protocols, and habituating to increased hygienic practices. Here at GDB, we acknowledge that you have done your best to adjust to these new formalities. This paper will discuss the challenges and solutions to traveling in public with a guide dog during the COVID19 pandemic. You may have an opportunity in class to share your experiences on this subject.

The following COVID19 challenges and solutions that will be discussed are: 
* Options for determining and maintaining physical distance in public spaces.
* Addressing the public about COVID19 health, safety and your guide dog.
* COVID19 considerations while traveling with your guide dog. 

Together with your instructor, you will discuss and practice which option works best for you and your guide dog.

4 Options for Determining and Maintaining Physical Distance in Public Spaces

Option 1: HUMAN GUIDE. Using customer assistance / friend / family to maintain physical distancing and accessing public places. You may choose to travel via human guide or asking your dog to follow the person assisting you. When travelling via human guide, it is advised to reduce skin-to-skin contact with the person assisting you. Techniques for achieving this include wearing disposable gloves, using a sturdy tissue or paper towel, holding opposite ends of your long cane, or using a shopping cart as a guide tool.  When traveling via human guide, itÕs recommended to hold on to a personÕs elbow or shoulder. After traveling via human guide, always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. 

Option 2: DISTANCE ESTIMATION USING AUDITORY or VISUAL SCANNING. You may be able to estimate physical distance by listening to the sounds of other people in a line for example. If you have functional eyesight, consider using low vision scanning techniques to locate physical distance and other indicators posted on the floor or wall.  

Option 3: HEEL YOUR GUIDE DOG WITH LONG CANE. You may choose to heel your guide dog and use your long cane through public spaces. The long cane can be helpful in determining physical distancing by helping you locate tactile features of a space such as a counter or bar, the person in front of you, and in some cases physical distance and other posted floor indicators. Use standard cane techniques for this purpose. An average long cane will provide between three and a half to five feet of forward facing, detectable space. 

Option 4: WORK YOUR GUIDE DOG AND USE LONG CANE TOGETHER. 
Your guide dog and long cane can be used together at the same time to help you determine physical distance in a space. This method uses the advantages of both a guide dog and a long cane together. A guide dog will help you maintain a straight line of travel, while at the same time, the long cane will provide a tactile preview of the ground in front of you. An average long cane will provide between three and a half to five feet of forward facing, detectable space. 

Requirements: 
* This method is only to be used at slow paces and for short durations. 
* Only use a guide dog and long cane in this manner in specific areas where detecting physical distance is needed. 
* Do not swing the long cane from side to side. Instead, push the cane in front of you on the side opposite your guide dog. 
* If you notice a decrease in your guide dogÕs work, or overall behavior while using this method, stop immediately! Instead, use another method on this list and seek assistance from the support center or your Field Service Manager.   

Addressing the Public About COVID19 Health & Safety & Your Guide Dog:
Tips and Considerations

It's not practical to expect a guide dog to recognize aÊsix-foot span, particularly with pedestrians. Additionally, maintaining physical distance is a new challenge for people who are blind or vision impaired.ÊRecognizingÊthisÊchallenge, GDB recommends that you beÊproactive in helping others understand theÊlimitations of your guide dog's training, and how best you might convey this information in a succinct, friendly and informative way. With this in mind, GDB suggests the following as examples of how you mightÊdiscuss this topic whenÊworking with your guide dog in public spaces.

Establishing contact with someone after entering a workplace or public place "Hello! ÊMy dog doesn't understand the concept of physical distancing. Can you let me know the best place to wait, and IÊcan direct them. Thank you for your assistance."

When being informed that you are getting too close to someone
"IÕm sorry! Unfortunately, my guide dog is not able to understand the concept of physical distancing, but if there is a better place for us to stand /wait / sit, please let me know and I can give them directions".

IfÊasked if your guide dog can get or transmit COVID19
ÒWhile we have seen some dogs in COVID+ homes test positive for this novel coronavirus, they do not seem to get very sick.ÊÊThere is no evidence at this time that indicates a dog can transmit the virus to other dogs or back to humans.Ó
GDBÕs Veterinary Medical Director,ÊKateÊKuzminski has provided additional information on this subject. Visit the following link to learn more:
https://www.guidedogs.com/blog/covid-19-and-dogs-update




COVID19 Considerations While Traveling with your Guide Dog


* If possible, ask members of staff or your traveling partner about the mask behavior of others in a given space. 
* You may want to avoid allowing anybody outside your home pet or otherwise physically interact with your guide dog, which necessitates that person to be closer than six feet to you.
* Consider sanitizing your guide dogÕs equipment with a disinfectant spray or wet wipe after traveling through public spaces, especially those where you have touched multiple surfaces. Using a leather conditioner once a week on the leash and parts of the harness that are made of leather will prevent drying out and cracking as a result of regular use of hand sanitizer or disinfectants.
* Consider wiping down your dog, if desired. Do not use these disinfectants directly on your dog. Rather, if you feel it necessary to treat your dogÕs fur, a dampened hand towel with mild soap can be used; rinse your dogÕs fur with a dampened towel. 
* Carry and use hand sanitizer while out and about.
* If you have concerns about riding public transportation or public transit options are limited or inoperable due to COVID19, consider developing a back-up plan.
* Consider creating an emergency dog care plan in case you contract COVID19 and are unable to care for your guide dog while you are ill.

If you have any questions about these recommendations, or would like to address any concerns about traveling during the COVID19 pandemic, please speak to your instructor while in class or contact the support center or your Field Service Manager after graduation. GDB is here to help during these challenging times!xx