Once they enter formal, advanced training, at around 18 months of age, they leave their puppy raiser and join a volunteer formal boarder who will provide the young dog a home for the next 8-10 months. During this period, the dog attends “school” each week day, with one Guide Dog Instructor who builds trust and a strong and positive relationship with the dog.
They undertake a number of training sessions each day, relaxing in the Guide Dog office, playing in the exercise yard, chewing toys or sleeping in-between training sessions and walks.
Out of school, the dogs enjoy playtime, free running and toys as any other pet dog would.
What Do Guide Dogs Learn?
In the early stages, they begin with simple tasks such as:
- Getting accustomed to the walking in the harness
- Walking in a straight line without distractions
- Walking on the left-hand side slightly ahead of the trainer
- Stopping at all curbs
- Waiting for a command before crossing roads
- Stopping at the top of stairs and putting front paws on step at the bottom
- Laying quietly for some time, particularly at work or in restaurants
Progressing to more complex and challenging tasks, when the dog is ready. This may include:
- Avoiding obstacles at head height
- Avoiding spaces too narrow for a person and a dog to walk through side by side
- Boarding and travelling on all forms of public transport
- Taking the Instructor to a lift
- Refusing commands that may lead the Instructor into danger (e.g. if the Instructor commands the dog to walk them into a hole, the dog should refuse to walk forward).
