MINI green thumbs
ENCOURAGE YOUR KIDS TO GET IN THE GARDEN!
Arecent study from Bunnings found that a whopping 93 per cent of kids between the ages of six and 12 would like to grow their own edible garden. Duncan Hilder, co-founder of The Plant Runner, explains how to help your little ones grow some goodies for the whole family.
WHO CAN RECEIVE A GUIDE DOG?
Anyone who is blind or has low vision can apply for a guide dog via Guide Dogs Australia. Trained orientation and mobility specialists will work with those with low vision or blindness to determine if a guide dog is the best option for them.
WHAT ARE THEY TRAINED TO DO?
Guide dogs are taught to respond confidently to around 30 commands by word, hand or foot. They will have also learnt to disregard these commands in certain situations for the safety of their partner.
HOW ARE GUIDE DOGS TRAINED?
The training involves an intensive five-month program. Each guide dog instructor will work with a group of six to eight dogs. Over the course of more than 80 training sessions, the instructors gain a detailed understanding of each dog’s physical abilities, personality traits and temperament. The key training skills include: walking in a straight line, ignoring distractions like cats, food or other dogs, indicating a curb by stopping, understanding the meaning of simple verbal commands, like ‘stop’, ‘forward’ and ‘straight to the curb’, targeting destinations and navigating locations that a handler may attend, like public transport, the workplace or school.
Guide dogs in training also get to relax in the hydro pool, receive regular massages and engage in play sessions to help them relax.
ARE ALL DOGS SUITABLE?
Selection criteria are extremely strict. Every puppy has to meet the highest standards as the safety of their future mobility partner or handler is paramount. Puppies that do not meet the selection criteria for guide dog work may go on to become Pets As Therapy (PAT) dogs or companion dogs. They can also return home to their Puppy Raiser as a pet or find a ‘forever home’ with someone from the general community.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GUIDE DOGS RETIRE?
When a guide dog retires, they usually stay with their handler as a regular pet dog. Many put their paws up to enjoy retirement, although sometimes they can play a valuable role in helping a new guide dog settle in.