Guide Dogs People Talking Sight Blind One's Individual

Many people who are blind or "visually impaired" (not able to see very well) use "guide dogs," or dogs that have been "trained" (instructed; taught) to lead people around "obstacles" (things that are in one's way and must be walked over or around). Many "breeds" (types) of dogs can be trained as guide dogs, but Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and German Shepherds are the most common ones.

Of course, guide dogs cannot read street signs, and they are "partially" (partly, not completely) "color-blind" (unable to see differences in some or all colors), so they cannot "navigate" (give directions) for their owner. The blind or visually impaired individual must know how to go from one place to another. The guide dog is there to help the individual get there safely. For example, guide dogs can help their owner stay on the sidewalk, avoid "bumping into" (hitting) other people or buildings, avoid "tripping" (hitting something with one's foot and falling or almost falling) over "uneven" (not smooth) pavement, and stop at "intersections" (where two or more streets cross).

Normally, dogs and other animals are not allowed in restaurants and stores in the United States. However, different rules are applied to guide dogs. The Americans with Disabilities "Act" (law) "prevents" (does not allow) businesses from "barring" (not allowing) guide dogs on the "premises" (the place of business; where work is done). In addition, "landlords" (people who own homes or apartments and rent them to other people) have to let "tenants" (people who rent a home or apartment) live with their guide dog and cannot charge them an extra "fee" (money that must be paid for a particular purpose) as they can do for other tenants who choose to have "pets" (animals that live with people for entertainment and companionship).