Podcast Summary: The Economics of Everyday Things – Episode 81: Guide Dogs

Hosted by Freakonomics Network & Zachary Crockett

Introduction

In Episode 81 of The Economics of Everyday Things, host Zachary Crockett delves into the intricate world of guide dogs, exploring their training, the economics behind their provision, and the profound impact they have on the lives of visually impaired individuals. Through the personal story of Pat McKenna and insights from experts at the Seeing Eye, the episode uncovers the delicate balance between economics, training, and societal integration that makes guide dogs indispensable.

Pat McKenna’s Journey with Guide Dogs

[01:05]
Pat McKenna introduces himself as a blind individual navigating a demanding commute from Highland Park, New Jersey, to Newark. His daily journey involves multiple modes of transportation and significant reliance on his guide dog, Raven.

Pat McKenna:
"Few days a week, I make an hour and a half commute from my home in Highland Park, New Jersey to my office in Newark. It involves a bus, a train and a lot of walking through busy streets and intersections." ([01:05])

McKenna's narrative underscores the essential role Raven plays in ensuring his safe and efficient navigation through urban landscapes.

The Training and Development of Guide Dogs

[02:20]
Guide dogs are compared to the "Navy SEALs of canines," highlighting their rigorous training and the high standards they must meet. The process is extensive, costly, and highly selective, with a significant investment of approximately $75,000 per dog.

Pat McKenna:
"This animal has been specially bred, raised, and trained with all these remarkable qualities and traits. The cost is around $75,000, which is quality automobile territory, right? I mean, that's remarkable." ([02:54])

Peggy Gibbon, Director of Canine Development at the Seeing Eye, discusses the meticulous breeding and genetic screening processes to ensure only the best candidates become guide dogs.

Peggy Gibbon:
"The Labs have always been a very popular hunting dog, where they're working very closely with their person, and they've developed into a very willing dog with a strong work ethic." ([05:23])

Socialization and Early Training

From birth, puppies undergo intensive socialization to prepare them for the complexities of urban navigation. Early exposure to various sounds, environments, and stimuli is crucial for developing the dogs' adaptability and confidence.

Peggy Gibbon:
"They're introduced to little puppy stairs and lots of different surfaces... different sound tracks for thunder and kettles whistling so that they can experience as much as they can." ([06:58])

Peggy Gibbon further emphasizes the importance of diverse experiences in shaping versatile guide dogs.

Peggy Gibbon:
"The more different shapes they've seen in people, the less it will stand out to them." ([07:23])

Puppy Raising and Advanced Training

Puppy raisers, volunteers from diverse backgrounds, take the puppies into real-world settings to socialize them and instill confidence. This phase lasts 12 to 14 months, during which the dogs learn to navigate various public environments.

Pat McKenna:
"We have puppy raising clubs organized by county, and it's a real community... if you see 20 puppies going to see the tree at Rockefeller Center." ([07:59])

Advanced training involves teaching complex commands and scenarios, including intelligent disobedience, where dogs must refuse unsafe commands to protect their owners.

Pat McKenna:
"One very obvious example is if we're getting ready to cross the street... the dog will refuse the command to go, showing intelligent disobedience." ([11:53])

Economic Aspects of Guide Dog Provision

The economic model behind guide dogs is heavily reliant on donations and grants, allowing organizations like the Seeing Eye to subsidize costs for recipients. The total expense per dog is about $75,000, while the organization funds most of this through annual donations totaling approximately $20 million.

Zachary Crockett:
"The total cost to raise and train a service dog, the labor, food, boarding, and health screenings, is around $75,000." ([20:58])

For recipients like McKenna, the financial burden is minimal, with only $150 for the first dog and $50 for any successor dog, covering basic pet expenses thereafter.

Pat McKenna:
"There's the food and the vet bills, and there's the toys... who doesn't like getting a nice toy on occasion, right?" ([21:31])

Legal Protections and Social Challenges

Guide dog owners are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which grants them access to most public spaces. However, societal misunderstandings and non-compliance with these laws often result in challenging interactions.

Pat McKenna:
"A guide dog public access challenge can look anything from the one extreme of get your expletive animal out of my store to a cleaning fee at a hotel." ([22:43])

These interactions place an emotional and educational burden on owners, who must navigate these challenges while advocating for their rights.

Pat McKenna:
"You want to do the right thing in educating this individual, but you never want to be that angry disabled person... Be patient, be kind, educate, be tolerant." ([23:11])

The Personal Cost and Rewards of Guide Dog Ownership

Despite the financial assistance, ownership of a guide dog entails significant personal investments, including continuous education of the public and managing challenging situations. However, for McKenna, the benefits far outweigh the costs, enabling an adventurous and independent lifestyle.

Pat McKenna:
"We have gone on hikes in Vermont and Maine and Washington State... I learned early on that this dog is really up for anything at all, so long as I'm there." ([23:56])

Conclusion

Episode 81 of The Economics of Everyday Things provides an insightful exploration into the world of guide dogs, highlighting the intricate balance of economics, training rigor, and societal integration. Through Pat McKenna's experiences and expert commentary from Peggy Gibbon, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the invaluable role guide dogs play in fostering independence and enhancing the quality of life for the visually impaired.

Notable Quotes:

• Pat McKenna: "This animal has been specially bred, raised, and trained with all these remarkable qualities and traits." ([02:54])

• Peggy Gibbon: "The Labs have always been a very popular hunting dog, where they're working very closely with their person..." ([05:23])

• Pat McKenna: "You want to do the right thing in educating this individual, but you never want to be that angry disabled person..." ([23:11])

For those interested in supporting the cause or learning more about guide dogs, consider reaching out to organizations like the Seeing Eye or local guide dog schools accredited by the International Guide Dog Association.