[NAGDU] Softer Dogs?

[Bianka Brankovic]

Hi list,

my first two dogs were still trained with the training cart which is considered to be cruel by some people. Personally, I feel that the dogs that are trained with positive reinforcement tend to be more cooperative, it’s easier to work through little problems. My handling style has evolved a lot during the 15 or so years i have handled guide dogs. I am much softer with a dog now than I was in the beginning yet I have a much better grasp of my dog’s reactions and know my own limits better than I did at the beginning. This has hopefully lead to fewer handling mistakes. 

I do believe that if you find the right motivator you can train nearly any  dog with positive reinforcement. I feel though that the use of more sensitive dogs on the whole may have the down side that guide dogs are no longer as stress tolerant  and resilient  as they used to be. 

I feel it’s our responsibility as handlers to give honest feedback to the schools  about what works and what doesn’t, after all, schools are service providers. .. 

Best wishes,

bianka