DogSim

Dogsim, the guide-dog simulator

The transition from using a white cane to walking with a guide dog is not an easy one. It requires a change in the way the user moves, while walking speeds are also faster. Moreover, a dog behaves differently from a white cane. Conversely, newly trained guide dogs find it far from easy to guide inexperienced and insecure visually impaired learners. In order to simplify the transition from cane to dog, we have developed the DogSim which can be used as a tool by mobility trainers and guide-dog instructors. It allows people with a visual handicap to experience walking with a guide dog and to decide whether or not a guide dog will be the right companion for him or her. Once the decision for a guide dog has been taken, the prospective user can practise with the DogSim and thoroughly prepare for a guide dog without actually using a real one.

Product description
DogSim is a metal frame supported by noiseless wheels carrying a brace that is identical to the harness of a guide dog. The visually impaired person walks next to the frame, holding the brace in his left hand, as he would with a real guide dog. The instructor uses the frame-mounted guide handle to set the walking direction and speed. The instructor can use the guide handle to create instruction situations and to simulate the behaviour of a guide dog. The guide handle has two settings, a so-called communication setting and a speed-walk setting. In the communication setting the instructor walks closely to the user to give instructions and to communicate. In the speed-walk setting the distance is greater, requiring the user to rely on his own capabilities.

Cane or dog, the difference
When walking with a white cane obstacles serve as landmarks. Pavements, bollards, fences and walls help white cane users to determine their location and how to proceed from there. While these landmarks often offer a sense of direction, they also delay the walking process. After all, they need to be found, tapped and then avoided in order to continue down the route. This means users of a white cane can never follow the ideal line on the pavement, and will have to adapt their speed to the circumstances. A white cane can therefore be regarded as an obstacle finder. The guide dog, however, is an obstacle avoider. A dog will skirt around any obstacles to safely guide his master home. Bollards, walls and fences are obstacles that are avoided. Side streets, undergrounds, slopes as well as sound (echo), time and scent become the information on which the guide-dog user must learn to rely to orientate himself. Without their trusted and tangible landmarks, new guide dog users describe this sensation as walking in a ‘vacuum’. Moreover, guide dogs walk much faster than stick users are used to. This is because the dog is able to follow the ideal line down the pavement. Before the prospective guide-dog user can use the new orientation information and faster speed to his advantage, he needs to practice extensively. The DogSim allows him to do so.

DogSim advantages

DogSim offers practice opportunities without using a real guide dog. The guide-dog user is taught the correct posture. The position of the brace is identical to the brace used for a guide dog. DogSim protects the user, allowing him to practice safely. The instructor follows the user, and does not ‘obstruct’ him. It is clear to any outsiders that this is an instruction situation. Commands and dog behaviour can be easily incorporated.

DogSim in action

• To introduce prospective users to the possibilities of a guide dog.
• To prepare for the use of a guide dog.
• As a tool in learning new routes if a guide dog is already being used.
• During the intake and/or pre-care visits by the guide dog school.
• During after-care visits by the guide dog school.
• As a tool for training instructors.

Sales information
The DogSim can be ordered via info@dogsim.com