[nagdu] Drop-offs

[Marion & Martin]

Jenine,
    I didn't do a drop off when I got any of my three dogs; however, I did 
do one as my "final exam" for my O&M training. to be quite honest, it was 
absulutely nerve-racking! At the same time, it was the ultimate test of my 
training. Having successfully accomplished this, I knew I could handle any 
situation effectively!

Fraternally,
Marion


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jenine Stanley" <jeninems at wowway.com>
To: "'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, March 09, 2009 10:52 AM
Subject: [nagdu] Drop-offs


> Someone asked me recently which schools still do "drop offs" where they
> drive you around a familiar area until you are basically lost then turn 
> you
> lose to return to the lounge or van or whatever is the agreed upon 
> landmark.
>
> The person asking was mortified that this was actually done at some 
> schools,
> including the one from which she obtained her dogs, obviously prior to her
> time there though.
>
> So, I'm pretty sure GDB still does this for most students, correct? What
> other schools currently do "drop offs"?
>
> If you've done one of these recently, would you care to share your 
> feelings
> about them?
>
> I can tell you GDF does not do "drop offs", not since I have been 
> attending
> class, 1990, unless it was an individual instructor's practice for some
> students. They may have done it in the past though.
>
> Personally, I see great value in doing this if appropriate preparation is
> done in advance. I'm a fan of solos too though.<grin>
>
> I do recall in my very first class at Pilot, our instructor did such a 
> "drop
> off" route, letting us out on a street, not telling us its name but 
> telling
> us to follow our dogs because they knew where  they were and how to get 
> back
> to the school. It was only three blocks straight back but whew, that trust
> exercise was harrowing but good in the end. I've never done another one 
> and
> have always wondered how people feel about them.
>
> I completely understand and appreciate anyone who has serious anxiety 
> about
> "drop offs". Believe me, I hate being lost or feeling as if I may be lost.
> So no judgment calls on liking or disliking such training exercises.
> Jenine Stanley
> jeninems at wowway.com
>
>
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