From reading maps to supermarket help: Misconceptions Brits have about Guide Dogs

READING traffic lights (30 per cent), identifying bus routes (20 per cent) and even using a map (four per cent) are among the most unusual things people incorrectly think guide dogs can do. Others falsely believe they can identify specific items in a shop (19 per cent) or act as guard dogs (26 per cent). A poll revealed around 30 per cent of Brits think guide dogs can read traffic lights Credit: SWNS Reading a map is among the most unusual things people incorrectly think guide dogs can do Credit: SWNS A poll of 2,000 adults revealed a surprising belief in myths and misconceptions around guide dogs – including nearly one in 10 believing it’s OK to feed one when they’re on the job (nine per cent) or that guide dogs themselves are blind (three per cent). And while 97 per cent said they are confident they know what a guide dog is – 64 per cent incorrectly believe they help their visually impaired owner around the home. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! In reality, a guide dog helps someone with sight loss walk safely in public places – guiding them 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. A guide dog helps someone with sight loss walk safely in public places Credit: SWNS Just two thirds knew not to approach a dog while it is working Credit: SWNS 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 per cent 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. “By dispelling these myths and misconceptions, we hope people will feel more emboldened and confident in their knowledge around guide dogs.” Most read in The Sun Other misconceptions include the belief guide dogs can memorise entire towns and cities to lead their owner to any destination without needing directions (24 per cent) and they act like a four-legged sat nav (21 per cent). By comparison, marginally more people correctly knew the name of Taylor Swift’s new husband (29 per cent). And only 26 per cent correctly recognised when not working, guide dogs get to run around off lead just like a pet dog. There’s also confusion as to which breeds people think a guide dog can be. Only 65 per cent correctly identify both a Golden Retriever and yellow Labrador can become guide dogs in the UK, while 59 per cent correctly identified black Labrador, and only 40 per cent German Shepherds. And just 15 per cent were aware a Labradoodle can become a guide dog. In comparison, 55 per cent knew the host countries for this year’s World Cup, 42 per cent can correctly name all the Spice Girls and 29 per cent can identify their most used emoji. However, there are more serious misconceptions which can have real consequences. Just two thirds (66 per cent) knew not to approach a dog while it is in harness and working as a guide dog – and therefore some could unknowingly put a guide dog owner at risk simply by saying hello to the dog. 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.” LIST OF STATEMENTS PEOPLE BELIEVE ARE TRUE ABOUT GUIDE DOGS Guide dogs can go into cafes and restaurants where food is served – 66 per cent – TRUE Guide dogs help people around their homes – 64 per cent – FALSE Guide dogs can go into shops that aren’t dog friendly – 62 per cent – TRUE Guide dogs get to have a retirement in later life – 56 per cent – TRUE It’s illegal for a taxi driver without a medical exemption to refuse to carry a guide dog – 55 per cent – TRUE You have to be officially registered as severely sight impaired to have a guide dog – 46 per cent – FALSE Guide dogs are always working – 34 per cent – FALSE Guide dogs get to run around off lead – 26 per cent – TRUE Guide dogs can read traffic lights – 21 per cent – FALSE Guide dogs are also known as blind dogs – 14 per cent – FALSE Guide dogs can identify shops by their signage – 13 per cent – FALSE It’s OK to feed/give a treat to a guide dog – nine per cent – FALSE It’s acceptable to stroke a working guide dog – seven per cent – FALSE Guide dogs themselves are blind – three per cent – FALSE Comment now