Take the leadto support Guide Dogs

What is ‘Take the lead’ Take the lead is a new educationcampaign aimed at creating a safercommunity for Guide Dogs and their handlers who are blind or vision impaired.

A new survey has revealed that working Guide Dogs are experiencing high levels of attacks and distraction problems from other dogs, causing their handlers anxiety and compromising their safety andindependence.

If you see a working Guide Dog, take the lead – keep your dog on a leash, under control and give the Guide Dog and its handler space so they can safely reach their destination.

“My pet dog was attacked by another dog. It’s terrifyingand I can’t imagine howscary that would be forsomeone who is visionimpaired. I’m encouragingdog owners to take the lead to create a safer community, especially for Guide Dogteams.”

Dr Lisa Chimes veterinarian, dog owner

& star of Channel 10’s Bondi Vet

Key survey statistics

A new survey has revealedthat one in two Guide Dogs

across NSW and the ACT has been physically attacked by another dog while guiding its

handler who is blind or vision impaired.

Most attacks were by off-lead dogs. 1 in 3 Guide Dogs attacked sustained injuries, with one retired as a result of the trauma.

8 out of 10 Guide Dog handlers across NSW and the ACT

said off-lead dogs had distracted their Guide Dogs while they were working in the past year, while 7 out of 10 handlers said dogs on leads but not controlled by their

owner were problematic.

Guide Dog handlers said off-lead dogs distracting their Guide Dogs caused them the most concern to their safety and independence.

How you can take the lead• Please keep your pet dog on a leash and under control when out and about.

• If you see a loose dog, please alert your local council.

• If you see a working Guide Dog, please give it and its handler space.

• Please don’t pat, feed or otherwise distract a working Guide Dog. A well-intentioned pat can undo months of training.

• When approaching a Guide Dog team with your dog, please clearly introduce yourself to the person and say you have a dog with you.

For more information, visit

www.guidedogs.com.au or call 1800 804 805

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