[nabs-l] NFB training centers and guide dogs

[Kirt Manwaring]

To all,
  Thanks for the thoughts and info.  Honestly, I'd prefer to get a dog
after CCB but, the thing is, it's not often that a six week block of
time conveniently opens up...and I happen to have that kind of time
this summer.  So, if I'm going to get a dog within the next year or
so, soon is probably the best time...I know it's not ideal, I know it
would probably be better if I did it the other way around, but I just
wanted to get peoples' thoughts because I'm considering the idea.  I
appreciate all of you giving me your honest opinions because I've not
yet made up my mind and any info I get, especially from people
familiar with the process, helps.
  Warmest regards,
Kirt

On 5/8/11, Martha Harris <latinanewschic at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Kirt,
> I attended BLIND, Inc. last year with my lab Dee. I'm not sure if my info is
> right, but I think at CCB you are allowed to have the dog for four hours and
> the cane for the other four. At BLIND, Inc. I was allowed to work her to and
> from the center as well as at lunch and the breaks, but she was crated
> during classes. If you get a dog before you attend training, I'd suggest
> practicing leaving your dog alone where you live now, because it will help
> when the dog is separated from you. For the first day or two, she whined
> sometimes, but she got used to the routine. Before I went, I was strongly
> considering not going to an NFB center because of the dog policy. I was
> afraid my dog would lose her skills and not be useful to me anymore. That
> did not happen. Working in the city was a great environment for her. As long
> as you go places after school, the dog can get enough work. We always had to
> go grocery shopping or to the bank, or we spent time going to dinner,
> hiking, whatever activity you find enjoyable, and you have the dog all
> weekend. If you are there during convention time, you can work your guide
> there as well. What other questions do you have about guide dogs at NFB
> centers?
> Also, when it is your time, like when you travel and are not going to
> convention, center activities, or staying in the town where the center is, I
> think you can use whatever cane you want. On one of the breaks from
> training, I flew to Pennsylvania to see friends, and I worked my guide dog
> and had a telescoping cane in my bag. Oh, a tip for training, it is always a
> good idea to carry a telescoping or folding cane because you never know when
> your straight cane will break. Mine broke when we did a center activity
> going to the Minnesota state fair, and it is no fun to be stranded.
>
> HTH,
> Martha
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "Kirt Manwaring" <kirt.crazydude at gmail.com>
> Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2011 5:22 PM
> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [nabs-l] NFB training centers and guide dogs
>
>> Dear list,
>>  I'm thinking of attending the CCB sometime soon.  I'm also going to
>> try out using a guide dog and, if I find it beneficial, will probably
>> go through the process of getting one.  So my question is this.  Is it
>> ok to bring a guide dog to an NFB training center?  I mean, I know
>> that during my official day-time lessons I'd just need to use a
>> cane-and I'm fine with that.  I think the worst thing I could do, if I
>> get a guide dog, is let my cane skills slip.  But would there be any
>> problems, aside from logistics I'd have to work out, with bringing a
>> guide dog to a training center?  Anyone done it?
>>  Warmest regards,
>> Kirt
>>
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