[NAGDU] snowbanks

[Jordan Gallacher]

Kind of depends on where you live and how big the snow bank is I think.  Where I used to live in Missouri for example, they were always too high to walk up and going around them was the only option.  It was not uncommon to find them a couple feet higher than the curb in some places.  Where I live now, I have taught Oliver to handle it exactly like a curb and take the straightest path possible.  Oliver is so good about keeping a straight line to begin with though that even if he does or has to deviate from it, it is usually not much, and once we have gotten around whatever it is, he goes right back into the line we had before.  
Jordan
-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Vivianna via NAGDU
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2020 5:49 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Vivianna <irishana at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] snowbanks

Hi there.
I am an owner-trainer, currently training my 10 month old youngster.
I live in minneapolis so deal with the same snowbanks.
Here’s what i do; since i know that my pup will see the snowbank as an obstacle, and, since i do not want him to stray from his straight line, i allow him to stop at the bank as if it were a huge curb.  I put my foot up on the bank like a curb.  I ask him, with a big hand gesture, to go forward.  If he refuses because he thinks the bank is to big, then, i command him forward with another gesture.  I am carrying the leash in my right hand so, when igesture, the dog is getting a slight forward leash correction.  If he still refuses, because he’s a youngster and still getting his confidence, i will take a bigger step up with my right foot.  This has worked for me every time.  After we are back walking on the sidewalk, i praise him up.
Good luck.

Vivianna


Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 12, 2020, at 1:37 PM, Janell via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> 
> 
> I had our monthly guide dog call last night and a question that was 
> brought up was snowbanks.  One lady is having trouble with her dog not 
> wanting to go over snowbanks, the hard bump/mound of snow after the 
> snowplow goes by, leaving it on/next to curbs.  She said he thinks of 
> it as an obstacle, and tries to go around them instead of going over.  
> She said more often than not, he tries to take her around, therefore 
> ending up out in the road somewhere other than the crosswalk, and then 
> doesn't go across in a straight line to the other side of the road.
> 
> 
> 
> Any suggestions?
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks, Janell and Miss Rosy
> 
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> m

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