Leader Dogs for the Blind: For Whither Thou Goest

by Margaret Gibbs

Brand new book

255 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1982

Reviews

[Khanh]

It's pretty rare that I don't finish a book. But this was one I couldn't stomach. Granted, a lot of the information--e.g. training methodologies and dog breeding--is now outdated. But I found the writing dull and unengaging. The author's frequent use of the phrase "visually handicapped" got old, and guide dogs are portrayed more as a type of charity to persons who are blind rather than a unique partnership as well as a personal choice for safe and independent travel. It also fails to emphasize the importance of good leadership from the human--a well-trained guide dog makes intelligent decisions because her handler knows how to direct and give effective commands; the handler does not plead or beg the dog when he makes mistakes.