Guide Dogs and Canes: Pros, Cons and Differences

Hello Everyone!

Today, we will be discussing the pros, cons, and differences of guide dogs and canes, two reliable ways to navigate environments.

The main difference between using a guide dog and cane is that the dog will make decisions for you while the cane will help you to make those decisions. When using a dog, you can be confident in knowing that the dog has been specially trained for you but you are in less of control than with a white cane. This depends on your personality and whether you prefer to be in control and take on that responsibility or put it on someone else.

Guide Dogs

Pros:

Handlers have a very strong and inseparable bond with their dog because they have to trust them with their life. Most people believe that guide dogs are strictly work but besides working, they can be your best friend. Guide dogs are legally permitted to go anywhere, so you are never alone when navigating new environments. Guide dogs can help you socialize because everyone loves dogs and that is a great conversation starter.

Cons:

Guide dogs are not robots so they only work for 6-8 years. They also need to be cared for which is not cheap if you count the expenses of vet bills and basic dog needs. Guide dogs need to be worked to keep up their training.

Canes

Pros:

Canes are cheap, durable and low-maintenance. Also, canes will not attract unwanted attention on the street, nobody is going to ask to pet your cane.

Cons:

Canes are the more dangerous option because they are more likely to miss an obstacle in the path and do not have the ability to make life threatening decisions in the moment. Canes are also socially awkward because they put a barrier between you and the person you are talking to. Additionally, there is the slight chance of them breaking and leaving you stranded.

We hope this was helpful and provided the information you were looking for!

Written by Chelsea and Pippa