A NEW guide dog has just moved into Warwick, and you may see him trotting along beside his new owner and an instructor, learning the routes of the Rose City.

Guide Dogs Queensland CEO Chris Laine asked the community to give the new guide dog team space as they learned to work together.

"It's always great to have another guide dog out helping change the life of a blind or low vision Queenslander with added mobility and independence," she said.

"The new team is now in the process of learning their new routes, including venturing to places the pair will use most, like the local shops, the user's workplace and parks.

"This is a really important time for learning and bonding for the team, and with the assistance of a Guide Dogs Queensland instructor for the next couple of weeks to get the routes down pat, the new team will be independent and mobile in no time."

Mrs Laine said the arrival of a new guide dog in the community was also a good time to remind the public of their etiquette around a working guide dog.

"When out in public, the blind or vision-impaired person and the guide dog are concentrating on reaching their destination safely," she said.

"They need to maintain that level of concentration and being interrupted can inconvenience the user who must stop and regain control of their dog."

Guide dog etiquette

  When a guide dog is in harness, it is working. Whether it is walking, sitting or sleeping, it should not be patted, fed or distracted.

 The guide dog must not be the centre of attention. A well-intentioned pat can undo months of training.

  Please talk to the person, not the guide dog.

  Please don't grab the person or dog harness. Ask if they need assistance first.

 Please make sure your pet dog is on a leash or under control around the guide dog. Call the council on 1300 697 372 if you see a stray dog.