Guide dogs play an important role in preserving the independence of the visually impaired. There are over 11 million visually impaired people in the US, but only about 10,000 use guide dogs. Guide dogs allow many to live independently. The document provides 5 rules for interacting with guide dogs: do not distract working guide dogs, never feed a guide dog, it's okay to ask for identification proving a dog is a certified service animal, do not try to steer a blind person with a guide dog, and help out by opening doors or reading menus.

1. GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND
Troop 4670

2. WHY ARE GUIDE DOGS IMPORTANT?
Over 11.3 million people in
America are blind or visually
impaired.

3. Out of these, about ten thousand
use guide dogs.

4. These dogs have preserved the
independence, and in some cases
lives, of many visually impaired
individuals.

5. Our mission is to educate the
public and answer any questions
they may have about these
amazing canine helpers.

6. RULES FOR INTERACTION WITH
GUIDE DOGS

7. 1. DON’T DISTRACT GUIDE DOGS WHILE
THEY’RE WORKING.
 Guide dogs have to be constantly on the lookout for
dangers and traps. Calling out to one or trying to
pet one is very distracting to them. However, many
handlers are happy to let you pet their guides-
WHEN they’re off duty.

8. 2. NEVER FEED A GUIDE DOG.
 In order to keep their bodies on a predictable
schedule, seeing eye dogs are fed at the same time
every day, and only by their handler. In
addition, guide dogs are on a special diet to keep
them in top physical condition, and bites of steak or
ham aren’t going to help that. (Don’t worry- guide
dogs do get treats, like carrots and fruit.)

9. 3. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR AN ID.
 It’s okay to ask for legal identification papers
proving that a dog is a certified service animal. Real
guide dog owners are usually happy to show you
their IDs

10. 4. BLIND PERSON ADEQUATE
 Do not try to steer a blind person with a guide dog.
This may confuse the dog and cause it to put the
blind person in a dangerous position. In the event of
seeing a blind person just let the dog do its job.

11. 5. HELP OUT!
 Even though guide dogs are amazing helpers, they
can’t do everything. So you can help, too! Open
doors, read out menus, and inform the public of the
correct ways to interact with service dogs.