Truckee
has now entered phase 8 of 8! If he passes this phase he will be
placed “In Class” where he will then be matched with a handler.
However, there is still a chance he could be “Career Changed.” So we
can’t get overly excited yet. But either way, if he makes it or not, we
will be happy with the outcome!
Below is what Phase 8 consists of. He must be graded on certain tests. It’s a long read and I won’t be offended if you don’t read it but I included just in case you are curious!
Phase 8 – Final Testing, Finishing and Pre-Matching
Notable Accomplishments – Final Testing
Final Obedience Test
The instructor is under blindfold, and performs a series of obedience exercises with the dog, which includes an off-leash recall as well as a down stay with the instructor out of the dog’s sight. Grades are given on a number scale (3 – 5).
Final Blindfold Test
Instructor works a route under blindfold on an urban street and sidewalk route of 40 to 50 minutes in a challenging work area. Dog performs sits and downs in harness at any point on route. Grades are given on a number scale (3 – 5).
Final Building Test
Instructor works a dog under blindfold through a mall setting. Each dog is tested on their overall caution and work on escalators, elevators, stairs and focus past food court areas. Grades are pass/fail.
Final Traffic Test
Instructor is under blindfold on a guidework route, and encounters several staged traffic checks that require the dog to demonstrate all types of traffic avoidance responses. Instructor is spotted by a teammate, but is not cued to the traffic situations in order to simulate client travel. Grades are pass/fail.
NOTE: Dogs that receive passing grades are deemed “Class Ready Guides.” These dogs are fully qualified and ready to be issued to a client.
“Finishing” Routes
Dogs work on relaxing residential or country routes, sidewalkless areas, and less difficult/ more straightforward routes for confidence building before class. Obedience responses are maintained and practiced in a variety of areas with a variety of handlers.
Practice with Less Experienced Handlers
With either supervisory and/or instructor oversight, unfamiliar (and often novice) handlers (O&M seminar or lifestyle workshop participants, mock student instruction practice for apprentices, etc.) work dogs that are (or nearly) at Class Ready status. This serves two purposes: it gives the handler an opportunity to experience what it feels like to work a Guide Dog and it gives staff a chance to assess the dogs’ abilities to successfully and reliably transfer to a new handler both from a work performance and manageability perspective.
NEW! Specialized Training
All dogs are introduced to hand and chair targeting. Instructors introduce pole targeting (for crosswalk buttons) on a few different routes.
If needed, select dogs may do custom work for identified clients (slower pace or fast pace, compromised balance -- client who travels with a support cane, toed-out gait, etc.)
Pre Class Physicals (AKA: PCPs)
All class ready dogs receive pre-class vet physicals, which includes a height measurement at the withers (ground to shoulders).
Final Class Preparations
Instructors size all dogs for new class collars, boots, head collars and harnesses. Pre-matches are done based on information gathered from home interview and pre-class phone call meeting.
Leash Relieving practice on cement surfaces
Continues as in previous phase, as needed.
Dormitory exposure
Dogs are walked through the dormitory building in preparation for their in-residence training.
Below is what Phase 8 consists of. He must be graded on certain tests. It’s a long read and I won’t be offended if you don’t read it but I included just in case you are curious!
Phase 8 – Final Testing, Finishing and Pre-Matching
Notable Accomplishments – Final Testing
Final Obedience Test
The instructor is under blindfold, and performs a series of obedience exercises with the dog, which includes an off-leash recall as well as a down stay with the instructor out of the dog’s sight. Grades are given on a number scale (3 – 5).
Final Blindfold Test
Instructor works a route under blindfold on an urban street and sidewalk route of 40 to 50 minutes in a challenging work area. Dog performs sits and downs in harness at any point on route. Grades are given on a number scale (3 – 5).
Final Building Test
Instructor works a dog under blindfold through a mall setting. Each dog is tested on their overall caution and work on escalators, elevators, stairs and focus past food court areas. Grades are pass/fail.
Final Traffic Test
Instructor is under blindfold on a guidework route, and encounters several staged traffic checks that require the dog to demonstrate all types of traffic avoidance responses. Instructor is spotted by a teammate, but is not cued to the traffic situations in order to simulate client travel. Grades are pass/fail.
NOTE: Dogs that receive passing grades are deemed “Class Ready Guides.” These dogs are fully qualified and ready to be issued to a client.
“Finishing” Routes
Dogs work on relaxing residential or country routes, sidewalkless areas, and less difficult/ more straightforward routes for confidence building before class. Obedience responses are maintained and practiced in a variety of areas with a variety of handlers.
Practice with Less Experienced Handlers
With either supervisory and/or instructor oversight, unfamiliar (and often novice) handlers (O&M seminar or lifestyle workshop participants, mock student instruction practice for apprentices, etc.) work dogs that are (or nearly) at Class Ready status. This serves two purposes: it gives the handler an opportunity to experience what it feels like to work a Guide Dog and it gives staff a chance to assess the dogs’ abilities to successfully and reliably transfer to a new handler both from a work performance and manageability perspective.
NEW! Specialized Training
All dogs are introduced to hand and chair targeting. Instructors introduce pole targeting (for crosswalk buttons) on a few different routes.
If needed, select dogs may do custom work for identified clients (slower pace or fast pace, compromised balance -- client who travels with a support cane, toed-out gait, etc.)
Pre Class Physicals (AKA: PCPs)
All class ready dogs receive pre-class vet physicals, which includes a height measurement at the withers (ground to shoulders).
Final Class Preparations
Instructors size all dogs for new class collars, boots, head collars and harnesses. Pre-matches are done based on information gathered from home interview and pre-class phone call meeting.
Leash Relieving practice on cement surfaces
Continues as in previous phase, as needed.
Dormitory exposure
Dogs are walked through the dormitory building in preparation for their in-residence training.
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