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26. SMALLS TALK: Meeting and Training with My First Guide Dog
There is more to “guide dogging” than meets the eye. Contrary to popular belief, guide dogs are not perfect robots or GPS systems who can single-handedly take handlers to class or tell them when to cross the street. Working with assistance animals is much like learning a language, an entirely new way of communicating. In the 26th episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, I share my experiences applying for and training with my first guide dog. Tune in to learn more about my challenges, success, and takeaways from my first month as a guide dog handler!
“I got a guide dog because I wanted to prioritize my happiness and safety over arbitrary notions of necessity or independence.”
Connect with Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.blondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blondeblindgirl/
Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/legallybb/?locale=sq_AL
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blonde-blind
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJz_ng0bHVm0s33plEl5Kpg
X - https://twitter.com/marissa_nissley
Key Points:
0:00 - Introduction!
1:50 - All About Smalls!
6:00 - Why did I record this episode a month after being matched?
7:10 - Disclaimers
8:45 - Why did I apply for a guide dog?
9:00 - Reframing my Attitudes towards Disability and Independence
13:00 - Investing in Myself
14:30 - Choosing Joy
16:00 - What is the application process like?
18:20 - What I learned from my first month as a guide dog handler
18:40 - Bonding doesn’t happen instantly
19:30 - Having a guide dog is a CHOICE
21:15 - Feedback does not equal Failure
22:45 - Dogs learn from EVERYTHING
24:20 - Take things one step at a time
25:00 - Guide dog training is VERY emotional
27:00 - Confidence is key
Resources & Transcripts - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/26-smalls-talk-meeting-and-training-with-my-first-guide-dog
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By Marissa Nissley
4.9
1616 ratings
There is more to “guide dogging” than meets the eye. Contrary to popular belief, guide dogs are not perfect robots or GPS systems who can single-handedly take handlers to class or tell them when to cross the street. Working with assistance animals is much like learning a language, an entirely new way of communicating. In the 26th episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, I share my experiences applying for and training with my first guide dog. Tune in to learn more about my challenges, success, and takeaways from my first month as a guide dog handler!
“I got a guide dog because I wanted to prioritize my happiness and safety over arbitrary notions of necessity or independence.”
Connect with Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.blondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blondeblindgirl/
Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/legallybb/?locale=sq_AL
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blonde-blind
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJz_ng0bHVm0s33plEl5Kpg
X - https://twitter.com/marissa_nissley
Key Points:
0:00 - Introduction!
1:50 - All About Smalls!
6:00 - Why did I record this episode a month after being matched?
7:10 - Disclaimers
8:45 - Why did I apply for a guide dog?
9:00 - Reframing my Attitudes towards Disability and Independence
13:00 - Investing in Myself
14:30 - Choosing Joy
16:00 - What is the application process like?
18:20 - What I learned from my first month as a guide dog handler
18:40 - Bonding doesn’t happen instantly
19:30 - Having a guide dog is a CHOICE
21:15 - Feedback does not equal Failure
22:45 - Dogs learn from EVERYTHING
24:20 - Take things one step at a time
25:00 - Guide dog training is VERY emotional
27:00 - Confidence is key
Resources & Transcripts - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/26-smalls-talk-meeting-and-training-with-my-first-guide-dog