[nagdu] Returned From The Seeing Eye

[Steven Johnson]

Robert, did they go over this with you at the Eye?  If not, I would consult
with your trainer first.

Steve


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Robert Martin
Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2011 7:31 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: [nagdu] Returned From The Seeing Eye

HI,

Late on Thursday afternoon I returned to Iowa from three and a half weeks at
The Seeing Eye In New Jersey.  I am now the partner of a sixty-pound Golden
Retriever named Nick who is a very mellow and exceptionally friendly dog who
also seems to be a very good worker.  If I learn to be as effective as he
is, we should have a wonderful partnership.  We have lots of learning and
getting acquainted before us but I think we're well matched and well
trained.  I was enormously impressed with the instructors and the staff at
the Seeing Eye.  Like everyone I was apprehensive but quickly realized that
I was in excellent hands and although I made this decision somewhat later
than do most people, I do not regret it for one minute.  I will probably be
calling on all of you for advice from time to time and I'm confident I will
continue to benefit from the experiences of all of you.  

For the moment I have one questions.  It's quite an adjustment to move from
the kind of information one receives from a cane to that which one receives
from a dog.  I was told   that there is sometimes a benefit from coupling
the work of the dog with the occasional use of a cane to figure out what
kind of obstacles  the dog is trying to cope with or to get a better sense
of orientation to an unfamiliar site.  Can any of you suggest what kind of
cane you may occasionally use in conjunction with your dog?  Does a good
collapsible cane work well for such situations where a cane might be
appropriate?  Any advice will be much appreciated.  

Thanks,

Bob 

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