[nagdu] Going out during training

[The Pawpower Pack]

I don't even see this as a guide dog program issue.  I'm an owner  
trainer, a very competent traveler, and dog handler.  If I got a dog  
from say, a breeder, and if it had foundation training, I'm still not  
going to take that dog out to a bunch of new places right away.  Even  
if it was proven that said dog could handle it and even if that dog  
had a track record of being in public and dealing with it appropriately.
The dog is new to me and I'm new to it.  We need time to bond, to get  
to know one another, to learn one another's movements and moods and  
reactions to things.
If I want to go out and I have a new dog, I leave the dog home in a  
crate.  I understand why the programs don't want handlers to leave  
with the dog until later in class.
I of course think that the handler should be able to leave whenever  
there aren't training activities and as long as the dog's needs have  
been taken care of before leaving.

You also have the issue of liability.  Until you graduate the program  
with that dog, it is still owned by the program and if something  
happens in public and you or someone else is hurt because the handler  
or the dog was not working appropriately, who's responsible for that?   
The program is, so it only makes sense for the program staff to watch  
you, at least for the first two weeks, or until they observe you and  
the dog communicating smoothly.

Rox and the Botanical Barkers:
Bristol (retired), Mill'E SD. and Laveau Guide Dog, CGC.
"The only problem with troubleshooting is, sometimes, trouble shoots  
back."
http://www.pawpowercreations.com
pawpower4me at gmail.com
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