[nagdu] preparing for my first guide dog

[Daryl Marie]

 Rachel,
I am working with my first guide, Jenny, from BC/Alberta Guide Dogs.  we've been a  team for just under a year (we trained in September).  I hadn't had a pet dog in 10-15 years, so had a bit of a transition.

Things about dogs that helped: a dog is a dog is a dog.  They will bark, they will need to pee, they have their own way of telling you there's something they need. It is not overly complicated, so over-thinking is going to result in a power-struggle with your dog. I've lived it, and it's not fun!
Dogs pick up on your energy, so if they sense you are nervous they may take advantage of it.
Dogs like consistency.  Be clear in what you expect of your dog, and they will continue to grow in obedience.

I am sure I have much more to say, but Raven, Rox'e', and others who have worked 5+ guide dogs have much more experience than I.

Daryl

----- Original Message -----
From: Rachel Becker via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Sent: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 18:13:31 -0600 (MDT)
Subject: [nagdu] preparing for my first guide dog

Hi. My name is Rachel Becker. I joined the list awhile ago when I first
applied for a guide dog but I'm generally quiet. I'm currently staying with
my parents in MD but I am a student at Princeton Theological Seminary in New
Jersey. I will be going into class at Guiding Eyes for my first guide dog on
July 27. *34 days*! As you can imagine, I'm pretty nervous. Any advice on
how to make the transition as smooth as possible for me and my new guide.
I've never even had a pet dog so this is all new to me. I will be going back
to NJ after class and will have about three weeks before school starts so
I'm grateful for that. What was the most difficult or surprising thing about
making the transition to working with and taking care of a guide dog?

See you in Orlando!

Rachel

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