Almost all Brits say they know what a guide dog is, but many still have surprising gaps in understanding what the dogs do, and how to behave around them.
Reading traffic lights, identifying bus routes and even using a map are among some of the things people incorrectly believe guide dogs can do. Others falsely believe they can pick out specific items in a shop, or act as guard dogs.
A poll of 2,000 adults revealed that while 97% are confident they know what a guide dog is, they had surprising misconceptions about what they do and how they behave – including the notion that guide dogs themselves are blind, or that they help their visually impaired owner around the home. In reality, a guide dog helps someone with sight loss walk safely in public places .
Guide dogs guide their owners around objects and people, avoiding trip hazards, finding kerbs, and locating shop doors and crossings.
They help people feel more confident and independent, but ultimately the guide dog owner needs to know where they are going and is in control of things like when it is safe to cross the road.
To help educate Brits about guide dogs and their jobs, Guide Dogs has partnered with Instant Quizzes which supplies weekly quiz packs to more than 1,000 pubs across the UK.
The goal is to bring a dedicated guide dog round to quiz nights nationwide in August, putting the nation’s knowledge to the test down the pub.
Hannah Wright, Guide Dog programme lead, said: “A staggering 84% of Brits agree we are a nation of dog lovers, and whilst our guide dogs are well-known, there are many things people get wrong.”
Other misconceptions include the belief guide dogs can memorise entire towns and cities to lead their owner to any destination without needing directions (24%) – by comparison, more people correctly knew the name of Taylor Swift’s new husband, Travis Kelce (29%).
Only two thirds (66%) knew not to approach a dog while it is in harness and working as a guide dog — something that can distract the animal and affect the person’s ability to navigate safely.
Guide dog owner Kimberley Heal said: “When my guide dog Dalby and I are out together, we’re a working partnership and we both need to stay focused.
“When people try to feed, stroke or talk to Dalby while he’s guiding me, it breaks his concentration and mine. That can leave us confused and put my safety at risk.
“It can be incredibly stressful because I’m constantly having to think about what’s happening around me. It’s especially difficult at traffic lights and crossings, where people sometimes grab me or Dalby without even asking first.
“I really appreciate it when people offer assistance respectfully, but so often people speak to my guide dog instead of me. A simple moment of consideration can make a huge difference, helping us travel safely and independently.”
There was also confusion as to which breeds people think a guide dog can be. Only 65% correctly identify both a Golden Retriever and yellow Labrador can become guide dogs in the UK, while 59% correctly identify black Labrador, and only 40% German Shepherds.
And just 15% were aware that a Labradoodle can become a guide dog. In comparison, 55% knew the host countries for this year’s World Cup, 42% can correctly name all the Spice Girls.
Hannah Wright, added: “By dispelling these myths and misconceptions, we hope people will feel more emboldened and confident in their knowledge around guide dogs.”
LIST OF STATEMENTS PEOPLE BELIEVE ARE TRUE ABOUT GUIDE DOGS
- Guide dogs can go into cafes and restaurants where food is served – 66% – TRUE
- Guide dogs help people around their homes – 64% – FALSE
- Guide dogs can go into shops that aren’t dog friendly – 62% – TRUE
- Guide dogs get to have a retirement in later life – 56% – TRUE
- It’s illegal for a taxi driver without a medical exemption to refuse to carry a guide dog – 55% – TRUE
- You have to be officially registered as severely sight impaired to have a guide dog – 46% – FALSE
- Guide dogs are always working – 34% – FALSE
- Guide dogs get to run around off lead – 26% – TRUE
- Guide dogs can read traffic lights – 21% – FALSE
- Guide dogs are also known as blind dogs – 14% – FALSE
- Guide dogs can identify shops by their signage – 13% – FALSE
- It’s OK to feed/give a treat to a guide dog – 9% – FALSE
- It’s acceptable to stroke a working guide dog – 7% – FALSE
- Guide dogs themselves are blind – 3% – FALSE