[NAGDU] choosing a school

Sat Nov 4 19:40:30 UTC 2017

Would anyone be willing to explain the philosophies of Leader dogs and GOODF? I haven't considered those schools yet; only Seeing eye and Goodb  so far, but I'm still open to other possibilities.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 4, 2017, at 2:36 PM, Jean Menzies via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Thanks, Wayne.
> 
> Yes, I have been to Leder twice - 2001 and 2011. Just wanting to know if things might have changed from what I know from the last class I was in. My decision wil likely be either LD or GDF. Pros and cons for both for me. Hey I was at GDF once as well, so I do know some of their philosophy. But schools and their methods change, so I think it's always prudent to rethink and relook each time.
> 
> Thanks for sharing.
> 
> Jean and Bode
> -----Original Message----- From: Wayne & Harley via NAGDU
> Sent: Saturday, November 4, 2017 10:32 AM
> To: Jean Menzies via NAGDU
> Cc: Wayne & Harley
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] choosing a school
> 
> *Hello Jean,
> I haven't been on Leader's campus in fourteen years and have never been
> on TSE's, but I will comment.
> First a bit of explanation to fill in what may seem to be gaps. I was
> matched with a Leader Dog three times, 2000, 2003, and 2011.  With the
> third pup, we did training in my home area.  I have been an Owner
> Trainer since 2010.
> I have heard, via a Leader trainer's blog, that they are using food
> rewards to some extent, but that as with other schools the student is
> taught how to phase out the treats.
> Both times that I was on class ( 2000 and 2003 ) on campus "find" was
> used. Find the seat, find outside, for example. It was also explained to
> us how to customize the dog's "find" repertoire.
> Quiet cars weren't even a thing in 2003. LOL
> The reference requirement was, in 2010, when I last applied for a
> successor to LD Patriot, was six IIRC. They did want a video of me doing
> a route, but that, thankfully, was satisfied by the Field Rep when he
> was there for a follow-up when I was starting to get the feeling that it
> was time for Riot to hang up his harness.
> My experience with Leader's follow up while I was matched with one of
> their pups, was very good.
> Bonus comment:
> If you want full ownership of your dog upon "graduation" then TSE grants
> it. With Leader Dogs, last that I heard anyway, you are granted full
> ownership after having been working with the dog for a year. However,
> more recent graduates can speak to that better than I can.
> 
> 
> 
> *On 10/31/2017 1:09 PM, Jean Menzies via NAGDU wrote:
>> Hello all,
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Without going into the details now, I am looking at dog retirement, and getting applications started for dog  number 7. Even if I end up delaying exceptance, the paperwork will be good for two years, and there are reasons to get going on it now.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> My current dog is from Leader. He is wonderful, and I really like the skill sets that LD puts on their dogs. But in deciding if I stay or change schools, I want some information on the Seing Eye as well.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> For anyone who has been to either school recently, or for those who have been to both, I would like your thoughts on the following points:
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Food rewards used or not used
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> If food rewards are used, are they phased out or maintained
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Skill sets –
>> 
>> Is Find the ... taught? If so, what objects or items are the dogs taught to find initially? E.g., empty chairs/benches, stairs up/down, pushbutton poles, doors, inside/outside, etc.?
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Traffic work – exposure to quiet cars
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Application process: Number of references, home video
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I'm interested in comparing the skill sets and working styles of the dogs, so please, no info on meals, rooms, etc. That's not important to me. Any info anyone can provide on current training from the two programs would be appreciated.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Jean
>> _______________________________________________
>> NAGDU mailing list
>> NAGDU at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NAGDU:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/k9dad%40k9di.org
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
> _______________________________________________
> NAGDU mailing list
> NAGDU at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NAGDU:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/jemenzies%40shaw.ca 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NAGDU mailing list
> NAGDU at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NAGDU:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/davidb521%40gmail.com