[nagdu] GDB and Gentle Leaders was RE: Update on Sophie Girl and a new guide dog school

Sun Mar 2 01:46:30 UTC 2014

Nicole. Yes, GDB does issue gentle leaders. We do use them at least once in class, for several reasons. One being so that we know how to use these gentle leaders propperly with our dogs. I for example had no idea how to propperly use one of these before receiving my dog. Secondly, so that we can get a feel for how our dog works in a gentle leader, as you listers know, most dogs work differently in a head collar device than out of one. It's not bad necessarily, just different. I also want to stress that GDB doesn't use the gentle leader as a punishment for the dog, although if our dogs are sniffing or misbehaving, we certainly can use them. The gentle leader is not viewed as a punishment but rather a management tool to help us better work with our dogs out in the field. I do use the gentle leader with Stockard on occasion. I know some GDB handlers who do not use it with their dogs, but have no real constant need for it, and I know others who use it as part of their normal working gear. For me, it depends on the situation. Also, a 3rd reason for gentle leader use may be if you're in a certain situation where you're trying to modify your dog's pace, but not permanently. Example would be walking in a crowded in door area with slower paced people in your group. I've seen most dogs from GDB slow down when wearing a gentle leader, so it's helpful for the one time we don't wanna go at fool pace.
Like I said, GDB uses this as a working tool not a punishment, and yes, we do work with it a few times in class to get a feel for how our dogs respond. Hope that helps answer your question Nicole, and sorry if it's a little long winded.

Laurel and Stockard

> On Mar 1, 2014, at 14:46, "Nicole Torcolini" <ntorcolini at wavecable.com> wrote:
> 
> I have a question for any of the more recent GDB graduates . Does GDB still
> give out gentle leaders? If so, are you required to use them at least once
> during training?
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Minhh Ha
> Sent: Saturday, March 01, 2014 11:54 AM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Update on Sophie Girl and a new guide dog school
> 
> Alyssa,
> 
> Raven gave you a really thorough description of GDB's training methods and
> the atmosphere. I feel like GEB and GDB have very similar attitudes when it
> comes to training methods and interactions with their students. I went to
> GDB last June to train with my first guide and loved my experience. I felt
> like all the trainers were very approachable and I got assistance from all
> the instructors, not just my own. My personal instructor was a third year
> apprentice and she and I built a close working relationship; I felt like by
> the end, we were friends and I still keep in touch with her. GDB has
> switched to the two week program so the ratio is one instructor to two
> students. I loved this because I had plenty of time to work with my guide as
> well as get focused attention on what my needs are. GDB also went out of
> their way to arrange a lesson at the underground train station to give me
> familiarity with working with my guide when I went back home and had to use
> the subway in the city. Another aspect I love is that GDB encourages puppy
> raiser contact and they help to initiate that relationship. The handler can
> choose to stay in touch with the raiser as much as they want, but at least
> they give you the option to do so. For me it's really important that I know
> how my guide was like when she was a puppy and if I have any problems, she
> can help me to brain storm ideas as she spent a year and a half with them.
> 
> Minh
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Mar 1, 2014, at 11:13 AM, "Tracy Carcione" <carcione at access.net> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi Alyssa.
>> My current dog is from The Seeing Eye.  He turned 2 a couple weeks after
> we left class, as did several other dogs in my class.
>> We were always treated with friendly respect in class, and afterwards.
>> TSE uses praise-and-correct methods.  I gather they are teaching some
> clicker use now, but mostly for targetting things.
>> TSE does not have a graduation ceremony, which for me is a plus. A few
> people shook my hand and wished me well, and off I went.  More dignified
> than the graduation circus, IMO.
>> TSE does not encourage direct contact between students and puppy raisers.
>> I thought the training was excellent.  I think they're especially good at
> traffic training.
>> HTH.
>> Tracy
>> 
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alyssa" <alyssahenson95 at gmail.com>
>> To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Friday, February 28, 2014 10:24 PM
>> Subject: [nagdu] Update on Sophie Girl and a new guide dog school
>> 
>> 
>>> Hello listers. I sent a message a short while back explaining that 
>>> Sophie had to go back to training because of her scavenging. It has been
> decided that Sophie and I simply aren't a good match. I've also been hearing
> about this problem occurring consistently with dogs from LDB. So I have made
> the decision that it's time to switch schools. The ones I'm choosing from
> are guide dogs for the blind, the seeing eye, and possibly guiding eyes for
> the blind. I like the geographical location of all these places as they
> feature busy areas to work in. I also like that they all offer follow up as
> well. I do have some questions though. I thank you for taking the time to
> read and answer. So here goes. What training methods are used with the dogs?
> How effective do you feel these methods are? During your class experience,
> how were you treated by the trainers and administration? How old are the
> dogs when they are issued? Thank you for reading these questions. Feel free
> to answer off list if y ou wish. I'll post again if any more questions come
> up.
>>> Thanks
>>> Alyssa
>>> 
>>> Sent from my iPhone
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>> 
>> 
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