Guide dogs in general attract people's attention. Through the years of thraining we have experienced many different reactions, for example a brave kindergarten boy crying out: "Look, an ill doggie, he's wearing a bandage!" – Harness is an inevitable part of a guide dog's job. If you take hold of it he surely knows what is going to happen. Let's get to work, he's excited and takes his place by the left foot of his master. This way he can be easily dressed up into the harness and safely guide the master wherever necessary. If he is not wearing the harness he is not working. He becomes one of plenty, has the same needs as any other dog – run around, enjoy life and play with the others. Harness symbolizes work. It is made of high quality leather so that it fits well and doesn't limit the dog's movement, bother him or otherwise. The first kind of harness is a light, green puppy jacket. You can see puppies wearing those jackets when they are getting ready for their future mission. There are more kinds of harnesses for guide dogs. Those that are sewn to fit our dogs are being demanded even abroad.

How does a blind person know how to cooperate with their dog? Of course they have to learn that. They have to know the orders, their use and reaction they imply. Dogs, for example, have to get used to a new voice, different from their trainers'. First they try to cooperate using the routes the person knows well. Then, eventually, they can go on trying new routes. Thanx to our cooperation with the Transport Undertaking , pictograms of a blind person with a guide dog appeared by the front seat of most trams in Brno a few years ago. Over there, there is enough space for a guide dog to lay down without being in other people's way or even being stepped on. Stepping on dogs' tails or paws can be quite painful for them. Fortunatelly people respect the rule and happily empty the seat when necessary.

It's a pity that most people still think a guide dog is inevitably a poor guy, who deserves to get special treats. Thus they often slip him a piece of sausage or pastry or, even worse, some sweets. Unfortunatelly they don't realise they will probably only make the dog feel sick. Guide dogs are with their owners all the time which means they get their food regulary and they live in a warm home – why would you think they are poor guys then? You should rather feel sorry for those dogs that have to be alone all day, waiting for somebody to eventually come home.

A guide dog works for his master as long as he can, concerning his health. This often means 10 years or more. Their relationship gradually develops and the dog needs to be in a good working condition. It's the same with people – sometimes he shows excellent performance, sometimes he is lazy and sometimes he just performs some roguery. Those are then often discussed on guide dog competitions which we organise together with Vodici pes (Guide Dog) association and other organisations.

Throughout the year, Friday mornings are regularly devoted to training practice with the dogs in order to refresh their skills and knowledge to be ready to overcome the difficulties they have to face every day. As you know, our office is on Cejl street 68, so once you walk by and you see some obstacles with our logo printed on them lurking on the pavement it must be Friday morning and we are just doing our regular practice...

Thank you for your loyalty to the world of blind people and their dogs, if you feel you want to help or spend your free time meaningfully, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We will surely find a suitable way of cooperation.