Afford Anything · Friday, September 11, 2026
Michael Hingson clarifies the role of a guide dog, emphasizing that they do not lead their handlers to a destination but ensure safe travel. He describes the relationship as a team effort where the handler is the team leader, directing the dog and keeping it focused, while respecting the dog's job of navigating obstacles.
“You need to understand what a guide dog does and does not do. Guide dogs do not lead blind people. Guide dogs don't know and I don't want my dog to know where I want to go and how to get there.”
“The dog's job is to make sure that we walk safely. So, walking down a sidewalk and suddenly the dog stops, I have to figure out what the issue. Now, if we're walking down a sidewalk and I know that we're going to be crossing a street, when the dog stops, I can be pretty certain that we stopped at a curb.”
“My job as the team leader of our team, and make no mistake, it is absolutely a team effort. My job is to be the team leader, to direct the dog, keep the dog focused, encourage the dog, which helps me as well.”