Home Tech Bad news for hipsters! Up to 1.2 million UK dogs are scared of people with facial hair and tattoos, figures reveal – as volunteers with these distinctive characteristics are recruited to help train guide dogs

Bad news for hipsters! Up to 1.2 million UK dogs are scared of people with facial hair and tattoos, figures reveal – as volunteers with these distinctive characteristics are recruited to help train guide dogs

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Up to 1.2 million dogs in the UK fear people with beards and mustaches, figures reveal
  • A survey of 2,000 people found that 10% of British dogs are afraid of facial hair
  • Guide dogs ask people with ‘unique characteristics’ to help train puppies

Up to 1.2 million dogs in the UK fear people with beards and mustaches, figures reveal.

In a blow to hipsters, a survey of 2,000 people found that 10 per cent of British dogs react with fear or confusion when confronted with facial hair.

A charity has warned that puppies should be exposed to unfamiliar physical attributes from a young age to help them socialize properly.

And they’re asking people with beards, tattoos, piercings and other “distinctive features” to help train the next generation of guide dogs.

In addition to the unique characteristics of individuals, Guide Dogs said things like vacuum cleaners, mops, bicycles, strollers, oversized hats, high-visibility jackets and even uniforms can trigger reactions in dogs.

Up to 1.2 million dogs in the UK fear people with beards and mustaches, figures reveal

Up to 1.2 million dogs in the UK fear people with beards and mustaches, figures reveal

Bad news for hipsters Up to 12 million UK dogs

Bad news for hipsters Up to 12 million UK dogs

Guide Dogs Ask People with Beards, Tattoos, Piercings and Other “Distinctive Features” to Help Train the Next Generation of Guide Dogs

As a result, they’re looking for all kinds of people to volunteer, including cyclists, parents, and those who already have dogs as pets.

Haley Andrews, head puppy raiser at Guide Dogs, says: “Any owner’s goal is to have a dog that is comfortable and confident in all situations, and this can be achieved by giving puppies a strong stool. of calm and confidence.” experiences in the first years of life and continue them into adulthood.

“Rather than exposing puppies to everything and everyone all the time, people should focus on taking dogs through a variety of situations at a comfortable pace and helping them practice a calm, neutral response.

‘Our Puppy Raisers are vital in ensuring guide dog puppies get the best start to becoming future life-changers, by introducing them to new environments and experiences, whilst providing them with a loving home.

Guide Dogs is looking for all types of people to volunteer, including cyclists, parents and those who already have pet dogs.

Guide Dogs is looking for all types of people to volunteer, including cyclists, parents and those who already have pet dogs.

Guide Dogs is looking for all types of people to volunteer, including cyclists, parents and those who already have pet dogs.

“No matter your distinguishing characteristics, all you need to become a volunteer is to commit to showing a guide dog puppy the big world in which he or she will one day work.”

The charity has created a puppy socialization “checklist” (ideally to be completed during the first 16 weeks of the puppies’ lives) to help them adapt to a variety of everyday situations.

Puppy Raisers prepares a puppy for life as a guide dog, helping them through basic training and socialization in a care home for between 12 and 16 months.

The charity covers expenses, including training, feeding and vet costs, and volunteers receive expert guidance at all times.

The number of people in the UK with visual impairments is predicted to rise to more than four million by 2050.

Puppy Socialization Checklist

  • Beards and uniforms – Introduce your dog to people with beards, people in uniform or high visibility and you can even put hats and sunglasses on him during play time. This accustoms the puppy to different features and accessories so that he learns that there is nothing to fear.
  • household objects – Loud blenders, vacuum cleaners, or floor steamers can be scary, so intensify their use around your pup in short bursts, while your pup is distracted or quiet in another room. Umbrellas can also be scary, so start by opening them away from the pup and letting them come to investigate, before opening them while they’re next to you.
  • Visits to cafes or restaurants. – If you want a dog you can take to the pub or out to lunch, introduce this to your pup early, so he can people watch and get used to the comings and goings of busy environments.
  • Toddlers and children – Arrange a carefully supervised meeting with a friend or family member who has children. Even watching and listening to children play in the park from a distance can build trust with noisy little humans.
  • dog watching – Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so seeing them out for a walk is key to keeping your own dog calm in your presence. Your pup definitely doesn’t need to encounter every dog ​​he sees; Being able to calmly cross over to the other side of the road is a great answer.
  • Compulsive buying – If you think he can handle it, take your dog to a high-stimulation area, such as a dog-friendly shopping center or a busy main street, so he can see different people, cyclists, cars, buses, and experience new smells.
  • puppy classes – Enroll in group training classes where puppies can learn tricks and life skills and interact with other dogs in a structured environment.
  • grooming practice – Learning about brushes and bathing is particularly important for dogs with high-maintenance coats and helps ensure trips to the groomer are much less stressful.

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