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Many Pros and a Little Cons: Experiences of First-Time Guide Dog Recipients
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Department of Communication and Psychology, Center for Developmental & Applied Psychological Science (CeDAPS), Aalborg University, Teglgaards Plads 1, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
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Independent Scholar; 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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Department of Communication and Psychology, Center for Human Animal Psychology (CHAP), Aalborg University; Teglgaards plads 1, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
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Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Animals 2025, 15(16), 2461; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15162461 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 14 July 2025
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Revised: 15 August 2025
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Accepted: 19 August 2025
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Published: 21 August 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistance Dogs—What Should We Focus On)
Simple Summary
Guide dogs are trained to help people who are blind or severely visually impaired. Previous research has provided rich literature on the subject, but little is known about first-hand experiences of guide dog users in Scandinavia. This study explored how Danish guide dog users perceive benefits and challenges of having a guide dog. Six individuals participated in in-depth interviews. The results show that guide dogs improve users’ mobility, physical activity, independence, social interactions, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Users also form a close emotional bond with their guide dogs. However, some challenges were reported, including members of the public interfering with working guide dogs, difficulties during the initial adjustment period, increased cleaning needs, and finding dog care when traveling. Despite challenges, all participants were highly satisfied with their guide dog, and we suggest that most challenges could be addressed better. The findings highlight the broad and meaningful impact of guide dogs beyond their role as mobility aids.
Abstract
Guide dogs are primarily seen as mobility aids for people with visual impairments, but they may also influence users’ psychological well-being and social lives. Benefits of being partnered with a guide dog have been found in several countries but Scandinavian studies are sparse. This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of six Danish guide dog partners through semi-structured interviews. A reflexive thematic analysis found six primary benefits: improved mobility, increased physical activity, enhanced freedom and independence, new social interactions, a strong emotional bond with the dog, and better mental well-being. Users also reported challenges, including frequent distractions caused by the public interacting with the dog, difficulties during the initial adjustment period, increased cleaning, and occasional trouble finding care for the dog. Participants unanimously emphasized the irreplaceable value of their guide dogs and positive socioemotional dimensions of guide dog partnerships. The findings add Scandinavian voices that support existing international research and note three areas of potential improvement: better public education about guide dog etiquette, enhanced support during the adjustment period, and improved care-sharing arrangements. The study underscores the importance of considering guide dogs as both functional aids and sources of emotional and social support.
Keywords:
guide dogs; visual impairment; blindness; disability aids; qualitative study
