The experience of owning a guide dog
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

The Other End of the Leash: An Experimental Test to Analyze How Owners Interact with Their Pet Dogs
Published on: October 13, 2017
Cindy Wiggett-Barnard1, Henry Steel
1University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa. cindywiggett@mweb.co.za
Purpose:
This study explored the dynamics of guide dog ownership in a South African sample. Six participants (five male and one female) from diverse socio-economic backgrounds were interviewed in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The study was performed to provide a clearer understanding of the guide dog and owner relationship, as well as the influence of the dog on the life of a person with blindness. The study also explored the current state of guide dog ownership in the uniquely South African context.
Method:
A qualitative methodology was employed to investigate the research question. All six participants were involved in structured interviewing in order to obtain the data for this study.
Results:
Eight common themes on guide dog ownership emerged by employing a phenomenological methodology of data analysis.
Conclusions:
Guide dog ownership seems to be a life-changing experience, with both negative and positive consequences for the owner. Recommendations to service providers in and for the community of persons with disabilities are made in conclusion of the article, as well as suggestions given for future research on a topic of this nature.
Related Concept Videos
Obedience
The Central Dogma
Imprinting
Classical Conditioning
Ivan Pavlov observed that dogs salivated...
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
Guidelines for Writing Outcome
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care evaluation by...
