[NAGDU] GDB training methods

Thu Aug 22 20:46:53 UTC 2019

I haven't had to use many leash corrections with my guides from GDB either. I have a confident, but mellow guy who enjoys his work. We've been home for about a little over two weeks now and his house manners and guidework are pheomenal! I work with students who are blind and are from various cultures so I needed a dog who settles well but yet can deal with the craziness of my city and that's what I got. I don't care for leash corrections either as not only public perception but with balance and vertigo issues I always need a dog who is easy to manage. It's a hard combo but they are definitely out there. 

Rebecca and Marvin  
email: rilniski at gmail.com

On Aug 22, 2019, at 4:23 PM, JLM via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:

Hi folks:

I am a 3rd time GDB grad, and one of the two aspects of why I use GDB is their science-based training methods. The training staff knows I DO NOT use leash corrections on my dogs and know I will only exclusively positive methods and ignoring of all negative behavior.

GDB is SLOWLY moving away, but not fast enough, from leash corrections. It is the public image why I won't use it either.

I will use a time-out method, but include a "watch me" command if and when my dog is distracted. My current guide gets slightly distracted by some things, so I prefer this method. She is an easy to control sweetheart. None of my previous dogs, except my first dog from a Canadian school, required leash corrections. I work in an organization where public perception is a HUGE deal in my life so I prefer a dog that doesn't require this and is exclusively clicker/treat/praise trained, which I got. It took some confidence building on my girl's part to become a team (we came home in May) but I am forever grateful for the extra training my dog receives and how hard GDB works to find that perfect match that best fit my employment needs, lifestyle, pace and health.

Just my two cents and own experience 😊

Jen and Parmesan

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Nimer Jaber via NAGDU
Sent: August 22, 2019 1:15 PM
To: Seyoon Choi <blindinsider1 at gmail.com>
Cc: Nimer Jaber <nimerjaber1 at gmail.com>; NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] GDB training methods

Oh interesting. I don't think I would necessarily get away with that without people thinking I am being too aggressive or something. Completely unrelated, but the technique that I find which works for me and my dogs is to immediately do five seconds of obedience or something when my dog is distracting. This regains my focus on the dog, in the event the issue is that I was unfocused. The dog regains focus on me, and on its work *hopefully*. Then usually, we can get on our way. At times, corrections are necessary, but since I started doing this with my first dog, I find corrections are rare for me. I am now on my third dog, and still find the above to be true. I realize that this may not work for many people, and for some dogs. I can't imagine that pulling the dog by its leash towards me and waiting for ten seconds to be necessarily helpful if the dog is being distracted and pulling... I can see it leading to a fight. So instead, I give my pup a command she has to obey. When she does, sometimes, especially in the beginning or especially distracting situations, she gets a treat, and always a scratch on the head. When we both are refocused, I pick up the harness handle and charge on. This works for us.

Thanks.

> On Thu, Aug 22, 2019 at 1:01 PM Seyoon Choi <blindinsider1 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I was taught to drop the harness handle, pick up the leash with both 
> hands and bringing the dog close and wait 10 seconds until the dog 
> stops pulling towards the distraction. This is only good though for 
> certain types of distraction, I normally result to corrections.
> 
> Regards
> Seyoon
> 
> On Aug 22, 2019, at 2:08 PM, Nimer Jaber <nimerjaber1 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> What exactly is timeout?
> 
> On Thu, Aug 22, 2019 at 11:44 AM Seyoon Choi via NAGDU 
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
> 
>> I graduated from gdb with my first guide little over a week ago so 
>> happy to answer this one. Yes, gdb does leash correction. Timeout is 
>> our first method but they will have us correct them if the 
>> distraction is intense, or people are trying to come for my dog for 
>> instance and he begins to pull/jump on them.
>> 
>> Regards
>> Seyoon
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>> On Aug 22, 2019, at 12:31 PM, Yiska via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hello list,
>>> 
>>> I am looking into schools as my 4th dog didn't work out.  What is 
>>> GDB's view on corrections?  Do they do leash corrections?  They are 
>>> promoting
>> to
>>> the world that they are an all positive school but their grad class 
>>> lectures say they use corrections.  I figured I would here from 
>>> grads themselves.  I am not opposed to redirecting.  Thanks for your time.
>>> Yiska
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> 
> 
> --
> Best,
> 
> Nimer Jaber
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--
Best,

Nimer Jaber

The message above is intended for the recipient to whom it was addressed. If you believe that you are not the intended recipient, please notify me via reply email and destroy all copies of this correspondence. Action taken as a result of this email or its contents by anyone other than the intended recipient(s) may result in civil or criminal charges. I have checked this email and all corresponding attachments for security threats. However, security of your machine is up to you. Thanks.

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