The dog doesn’t. People who are blind generally know how to reach a destination by knowing how many blocks to go, in which direction to turn, etc. The person gives the dog commands that will enable the dog to guide them safely to their destinations. The basic commands are “forward,” “right,” and “left.” In all, the dogs understand about 40 commands—in Hebrew. (Click here for a list of commands.) In a new or unfamiliar location, a person who is blind—like sighted people—will ask for directions and communicate them to the dog by using the proper commands. Sometimes when a team (Guide Dog and partner) have frequently walked to a certain destination, the dog will remember the route. However, it is always the blind partner’s responsibility to know where to go.
