[nagdu] Going out during training

[Albert J Rizzi]

Julie,

Now you see there is a sensible, well thought out response to one which is
not rooted in complete reason. If one were new to a school, or to guide dogs
at all, what school would accept the liability of letting a new team out
into the world without first letting them get acquainted? Do we let new
drivers, once they pass their written test, drive untrained and ill informed
about the ins and outs of navigating the machineery  they are wanting to
harness? The answer is no. if however, the squeaky wheel in the group who
constantly drones on about this topic wants what they want, then they need
to investigate those schools which do home training. the seasoned handler,
which I should suspect would be those of you who have had at least two or
perhaps three dogs, would be in a better position to control this all
important issue. You would be able to independently travel anywhere and
everywhere your heart desires as a newly matched team. However, part of the
whole school experience is about bonding with the dog, bonding with other
handlers and developing partnerships to carry you ever forward into the
future in a safe and supportive manner. If that is not for you, then go
elsewhere and screw the studies, be and individual who stands by your
convictions and find that place in the sun where you get what you want. That
is if you can find it. I for one get a lot of pleasure and growth in the
newness, or at least I did, in the school experience. But for the lone wolf
who likes to isolate themselves, more power to you.


Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
Founder
My Blind Spot, Inc.
90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
New York, New York  10004
www.myblindspot.org
PH: 917-553-0347
Fax: 212-858-5759
"The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one who is
doing it."


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-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Julie J
Sent: Friday, February 11, 2011 8:04 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Going out during training

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


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