[NAGDU] Training Regimens at the Schools and Requirements for Working A Dog

[Cindy Ray]

Hi, Diane,
I have only been to one school. We went out on two trips each day. We were divided among several instructors. We practiced in pairs each of the routes, and we did this several times. The instructor was with us describing the route and fine tuning our technique. Then we would do that route as a solo. Then we did routes in simulated conditions to our regular environment. They worked with us on obedience and grooming, and we heard lectures on a number of topics. Some things have changed now so others can give better descriptions. I think I would still prefer going to the school because classmates might ask questions I didn’t think of or felt silly asking, and at the school I could devote a higher percentage of time to bonding with the dog.
Could you ask your school to send someone out to help? You might also get a mobility instructor to help you with mobility issues.
As for ride share, I used to feel the same way you do. I have now applied for a dog, figuring that ride share rejection is a part of the package until it isn’t. I won’t like it, but my ddesire to have a guide outshines that annoyance and inconvenience.
I hope I haven’t said too much.
Best of luck, and happy trails.
 

Cindy Lou Ray
Sent from my iPhone

> On May 27, 2023, at 10:44 AM, Diane Graves via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Greetings All,
> 
> 
> 
> I apologize in advance for the long winded post, but the recent Q&A
> regarding choosing the right schools and the requirements set forth by the
> schools has caused me to reflect on my own situation. I wanted to get some
> thoughts from some of you more experienced handlers.
> 
> 
> 
> I'm wondering if some of you could share what the actual training regimens
> are at the schools, and how the training is conducted. I think I have
> mentioned on here several times that I requested and was granted home
> training by GDF. My late husband's health was very fragile at that time, and
> I didn't want to leave for an extended period.
> 
> 
> 
> In retrospect, I am now wondering  if the home training option wasn't a huge
> mistake for obtaining my first dog. The trainer was very intimidating and
> condescending. We just didn't "hit it off" very well and thus, I was afraid
> to ask a lot of questions that I might otherwise have asked. Let me hasten
> to say that this trainer was a contractor, who did home training. As I
> understand it, he was not an employee of GDF.
> 
> 
> 
> The above, coupled with the fact that I was in my 50s when I decided to try
> working with a dog, contributes to the fact that I am not as accomplished as
> some of you. I don't know whether there will be a 2nd dog in my future or
> not, but if there is, I would definitely want to be trained at one of the
> schools. Ironically though, I'm not sure if I would be approved.
> 
> 
> 
> I am not currently using public transit, because I own a vehicle and
> currently have a driver. I am also very leary of crossing streets because of
> my severe hearing loss. That is not to say that my girl doesn't work. We do
> a lot of walking around the government center where I work. That said, we
> are not regularly crossing busy streets and walking 3 to 4 miles per day.
> When I am in an area with which I am very familiar, such as the government
> center complex, I do believe I move more quickly with a dog, and the cane
> just seems so clumsy to me as opposed to the dog. In unfamiliar areas though
> the movement is not as fluid. I am not as confident, and neither is she. I
> think her lack of confidence in those situations is largely my fault, as I
> am not sure how to direct her whe Iam unfamiliar myself.
> 
> 
> 
> Then you have the battles with Uber and Lyft, when needing to use those
> services. When my driver is unavailable for a medical appointment or
> something of that nature, I have to use these services and find myself
> wondering, do I take Izzo with me and risk getting stranded because of
> drivers who refuse to follow the law, or do I take the chance?
> 
> 
> 
> Would be interested in any thoughts and/or input as to what to expect
> if/when attending  one of the onsite training classes. Hopefully my Izzo and
> I have a lot more years together. Whether there is another dog in my future
> or not, I am very grateful that I was granted this one. She has been a real
> blessing; there for me when I truly felt that no one else was.
> 
> 
> 
> Any feedback welcome.
> 
> 
> 
> Diane jGraves
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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