[nagdu] Steps

[Tamara Smith-Kinney]

Interesting that the program doesn't train that.  I like how you describe
your way of building that behavior with Sarge.  It took Mitzi and me awhile
to figure out how we were going to manage stairs -- especially going down.
Up is easy, because I feel the angle through the handle, and I can hear the
stairway in front of me.  Usually.  She still tends to make sure I'm set and
ready, though.  But down stairs are the ultimate scariness, and I really
appreciate the block and refusal she does now.  Much safer!

Tami Smith-Kinney

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Marion Gwizdala
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2010 3:38 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Steps

James,
    Many training programs do not teach "intelligent disobedience" on steps,

including the program from which I got my dog. I have trained him on this. 
When we are ata down or up step, I give the command "Forward!". If it is a 
up or down durb, my dog proceeds. If it is more than one step up or down, he

refuses until I pair the "Up" or Down" command with the "Forward" command. 
For instance and especially at a flight of down stairs , I tap the step with

my foot and praise him. Then I say, "Forward". If he proceeds, I drop the 
handle and correct him. The next time, I give the same command while pulling

the leash to the right to create a body block, offering lots of praise as he

does this. I repeat this until he body blocks for me on his own. Then I give

the command "Forward - Down!", praising him exuberantly when he does! HTH!

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala





----- Original Message ----- 
From: "James Brown" <jbrown321 at comcast.net>
To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, November 12, 2010 11:11 AM
Subject: [nagdu] Steps


>    Hello All,
>
> My name is James Brown, and I have been a guide dog user for six months 
> now.  Locating down steps in unfamiliar places still creates  a little 
> anxiety for me.
>
> Jordan, who has a fast stride, currently stops for steps as he was trained

> by Fidelco, but stopping could mean plenty of other things as well.  I 
> thought about training him to tap my leg with his nose to let me know we 
> are about to go down steps.  Does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts?
>
> Thanks,
> JB
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