Chapter 44:The Dog Guide Team Working on a Platform
Working a dog guide on a platform can be potentially dangerous if the handler is not aware of some key concepts. First and foremost the dog guide handler must be oriented and patterned to their particular platform. Although there are some universal concepts that pertain to all platforms, it remains extremely important that the handler learn their specific platform. Some important elements are:
• Is the platform single or double sided?
• Is there a noticeable tactile strip on the platform edge; is the strip consistent throughout?
• Are the entrances and exits easily located, do they remain open at all hours or only during key time periods?
• Is there a ticket attendant in the station who could provide assistance if needed?
• Are there stairs, escalators and or elevators in the given station?
• Is there a consistent size gap between the platform edge and train itself?
• How frequently do the trains arrive and how long do they remain stopped before leaving the station?
• Does the station have turnstiles or other types of exits?
If the platform is one that is familiar to the handler they can pattern the dog easily to the key locations. When doing this, it is important that the handler do a dry run first by going to the station when it is quiet, without a lot of pedestrian flow.
• Show the dog the keys entry and exit points.
• Work both to and from the station as if going to and coming from work.
• Show the dog any stairs, escalators, etc. that are important and crucial to the route.
• If needed take along a sighted friend to help with the first few trips.
• Bring a folding cane to help with identifying key points.
• Use clicker and food reward to help with land marking.
If the handler has moved and is learning a totally new platform:
• Contact an O&M instructor or dog guide instructor to help with orientation.
• Orient and acclimate the dog during low traffic flow periods.
• Utilize a back chaining method to build drive to the key target locations (go to the target location first and then work back to it in small increments).
• Work the route both coming and going.
Since dogs are goal oriented it is important to help the dog understand where it needs to go when entering and exiting the station. This is valuable in preventing the handler from getting into unsafe situations due to meandering on the platform itself and losing their orientation. Most accidents occur when the handler has become disoriented. In these cases the handler generally has gotten ahead of the dog or turned abruptly and is now facing the wrong side of the platform.
• When entering onto a platform avoid unnecessary walking. Locate your destination as quickly as possible. It is usually safest to wait for the incoming train car near the entrance to the platform.
• If the platform is double sided, the dog guide handler should always work with the dog on the edge side of the platform. This allows for the dog to maintain a solid buffer zone between the edge and its handler.
• If the platform is single sided the handler should exit the train and make contact with the nearest wall. If the layout is such that the handler must be on the edge side, the team should shoreline as close to the wall as possible. An example of this would be if the exit is to the right after exiting the train.
• Avoid walking when trains are entering and exiting the station as it can become very loud and disorienting to any traveler.
• Wait a few moments for the crowd to thin before working down the platform. Pedestrian flow is heavy as people are entering and exiting train cars. By waiting, it helps by giving the dog more room to negotiate the platform.
• The first car generally has the lightest volume of people but also is usually the farthest from the exit.
It is also very important that the handler enter and exit the train car swiftly. In most subways the handler can work the dog on and off. However, on commuter rails the gap is wide and if the dog is worked across it would have to jump. Many handlers would be thrown off balance by this and may risk slipping through the gap. In these situations the handler is advised to work the dog up the opening, locate the side of the door and take a giant step in. Train cars can vary and the handler may either have to step up or down. Once inside the handler should make their way to a seat. The handler should not linger in between cars as this is unsafe. In addition the handler should not move between cars while the train is in motion. If it is a subway car the handler should attempt to locate a seat directly to the left or right of the door entrance. If on a commuter train car, then the handler should locate a seat as close to the exit door as possible. Many commuter cars have seats facing each other near the door. This will allow more room for the dog as well.
If on a subway car and no seats are available the handler may have to stand and hold onto a pole. The handler should face the door they plan to exit. This way the dog will not have to turn and locate the opening. The handler should have the dog sit between their legs to take up the least amount of room. Then the handler should gently wrap the dog’s tail around the dog’s body and keep it in place by holding a foot gently against it. This will help to keep the dog from being stepped on.
While riding the commuter train the dog should be backed into the seat opening first prior to the handler sitting down. This will allow the dog an easy exit when it is time to get off the train. The dog can be allowed to lie down but the handler will need to pay close attention to what the dog’s head and mouth are doing. If a given dog has the propensity to scavenge then having the dog sit is a better choice. The handler should always remain in contact with the dog via the leash and not allow the dog to wander over to other passengers.
Many big cities such as NYC have training courses for people utilizing the platform and train cars. Contact your local department of transportation for more specific details