[nagdu] Going out during training

[Julie J]

Peter,

There isn't any research and not likely to be any.  When you do social 
research of this variety there needs to be a general understanding of 
safety.  There are boards that review research proposals to ensure that the 
study won't intentionally harm people.  Sure we could argue until the cows 
come home that no one would get hurt going out on their own 2 hours after 
receiving their first dog, with no idea of what commands to use, how to 
cross a street or place the dog out of the way under a table.  Somehow I 
don't think anyone but you would buy it though.

Perhaps a more likely approach would be to endorse independent travel before 
graduating.  It could be done in the last couple of days during training so 
all the concepts have been introduced and practiced.  The student could plan 
the excursion with the instructor to ensure that it is appropriate for that 
individual team's ability level.

I think you'd get a lot more support for this approach to independent travel 
while at the guide dog school.

JMHO
Julie