It's official - TRUCKEE IS GRADUATING!! He is now in "Class"!!
Class
By the time the dogs finish their final exams in Phase 8, blind and vision-impaired clients have already been scheduled to arrive for the next class. Instructors conduct pre-class phone meetings to begin the matching process between client and dog. Matches are finalized once students arrive at campus and class training has begun. To make the best matches possible, GDB has more dogs than clients. This means that there are always a handful of dogs remaining for placement in a future class. These dogs continue in training with the next group of instructors and dogs.
There are different class-training program options available to clients. GDB offers two week classes for in-residence client training.
On occasion, for either health or other compelling personal reasons, some clients do best with training in their own home area. In these instances, the client does not train at a GDB campus. This is called an in-home training. Most in-home training clients do not participate in a formal graduation ceremony, unless they live close to one of our campuses and are able to attend. For those clients unable to attend a ceremony, please refer to the “Graduation” portion of this packet for special arrangements afforded to raisers whose dogs are trained in-home.
Depending on whether they are training in California or Oregon, clients begin training with their new Guide Dogs in residential areas of San Rafael or Gresham, respectively, and transition to routes in San Francisco or Portland. The new teams encounter many different situations together: public transportation (cars, city buses, subway systems, and ferries), heavy traffic, construction, escalators, areas with no sidewalks, etc.
GDB clients come from many different geographical areas and walks of life. Clients customize their training and do routes that are similar to their home areas. Our lecture titled “Special Travel Conditions” offers tips to help prepare clients and their new guides to travel in extreme climates (snow travel or hot temperatures).
Class instruction and graduation are a culmination of a lot of hard work by many people. From staff who breed these special dogs, to the volunteers who love and house the breeder dogs, to the volunteers that socialize the young puppies and work in other areas on campus, to the immense efforts and commitment of the puppy raising community, to the dedicated and talented training and graduate service staff, and to our generous donors… it takes an involved community to create and support, a Guide Dog team. All of these efforts provide the foundation to shape a wonderful d
Monday, July 20, 2015
Thursday, July 9, 2015
UPDATE 7/9/2015!
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.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Update 7/2/2015!
Truckee is still in Phase 6 - Below is what he is currently working on.
Phase 6 - Urban Challenges
Obedience and Distraction Training
Continues as in phase 5.
Phase 6 - Urban Challenges
Obedience and Distraction Training
Continues as in phase 5.
Advanced Guidework Training
Dogs work in both residential area without sidewalks and downtown urban areas with challenging environments
Focus on working the dogs at a pace and pull that is appropriate for a client.
Instructors commonly work each others’ dogs to continue to develop and monitor consistent responses of each dog in various environments (formal, casual and during guidework).
NEW! Sidewalkless Technique Introduction
Dogs learn how to work in areas without sidewalks or reasonable shoulder on which to walk. The travel line is the left side of the street facing oncoming traffic. Dogs learn how to respond to intersecting streets and parked cars along their travel line.
NEW! Platform Edge Intro and Exposure Work
Dogs learn to avoid significant drop-offs that mimic subway and rail platform edges.
NEW! Light Rail, Subway systems
Dogs practice edge avoidance when train is absent, and boarding/riding on available trains.
Obstacle Course Progression
Continues as in phase 5.
Pre-Matches for Select Clients
Dogs are identified for applicants with special needs or requirements in a Guide Dog.
Socialization Programs
CWTs continue to focus on kennel enrichment and relaxing time away from guidework lessons (community run, grooming, play sessions, campus walks, dog massage, Reiki).
Leash relieving exposure on cement begins.
Dogs work in both residential area without sidewalks and downtown urban areas with challenging environments
Focus on working the dogs at a pace and pull that is appropriate for a client.
Instructors commonly work each others’ dogs to continue to develop and monitor consistent responses of each dog in various environments (formal, casual and during guidework).
NEW! Sidewalkless Technique Introduction
Dogs learn how to work in areas without sidewalks or reasonable shoulder on which to walk. The travel line is the left side of the street facing oncoming traffic. Dogs learn how to respond to intersecting streets and parked cars along their travel line.
NEW! Platform Edge Intro and Exposure Work
Dogs learn to avoid significant drop-offs that mimic subway and rail platform edges.
NEW! Light Rail, Subway systems
Dogs practice edge avoidance when train is absent, and boarding/riding on available trains.
Obstacle Course Progression
Continues as in phase 5.
Pre-Matches for Select Clients
Dogs are identified for applicants with special needs or requirements in a Guide Dog.
Socialization Programs
CWTs continue to focus on kennel enrichment and relaxing time away from guidework lessons (community run, grooming, play sessions, campus walks, dog massage, Reiki).
Leash relieving exposure on cement begins.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Thursday, May 21, 2015
UPDATE 5/21/15!!
After returning Truckee in March we received a call 3 weeks later asking if we could take Truckee back for 4 weeks. There wasn't much to consider or think about, OF COURSE WE WOULD TAKE HIM BACK!!!
We were thrilled to have our special guy back home with us. He walked in the door, saw his bed and his bone and it was like he had never left!
A week into getting him back Truckee got really sick. We believe two things happened and presented themselves at the same time.
2) The day after getting stung Truckee was acting really weird. I thought maybe it was the medicine the vet gave him for the bee sting. Since it was The Girls 11th b-day party I wouldn't be able to keep an eye on him all day. I called The Grandma and she said she would take him and watch over him. Well as I loaded him in the car he proceeded to get sick. Long story short, we took him to the vet, got it figured out and he was on the up and up a couple days later.
Below is a pic of Truckee not feeling good. So sick that he was TOTALLY IN OUR WAY while baking The Girls birthday cake. There was no way I was going to make him move. We even dropped cake batter on him accidentally and he didn't even flinch.
But like I said he's all better and was doing great a couple days later!
4 weeks flew by like it had only been a couple days. On Mother's Day we said good-bye to Truckee for the 2nd time.
Today, 5/21/15, we received the phase report and Truckee is in Phase 1!!!
We will continue to send Truckee all of our good Ju-Ju vibes in hopes he successfully makes it through all his phases of training.
Keep Wishin' him luck!
Truckee (17 months - Phase 1 of training)
We were thrilled to have our special guy back home with us. He walked in the door, saw his bed and his bone and it was like he had never left!
A week into getting him back Truckee got really sick. We believe two things happened and presented themselves at the same time.
1) We believe Truckee got stung by a bee. I had noticed that his face was swollen and within 30 minutes of that he had welts all over his nose!
2) The day after getting stung Truckee was acting really weird. I thought maybe it was the medicine the vet gave him for the bee sting. Since it was The Girls 11th b-day party I wouldn't be able to keep an eye on him all day. I called The Grandma and she said she would take him and watch over him. Well as I loaded him in the car he proceeded to get sick. Long story short, we took him to the vet, got it figured out and he was on the up and up a couple days later.
Below is a pic of Truckee not feeling good. So sick that he was TOTALLY IN OUR WAY while baking The Girls birthday cake. There was no way I was going to make him move. We even dropped cake batter on him accidentally and he didn't even flinch.
4 weeks flew by like it had only been a couple days. On Mother's Day we said good-bye to Truckee for the 2nd time.
Today, 5/21/15, we received the phase report and Truckee is in Phase 1!!!
We will continue to send Truckee all of our good Ju-Ju vibes in hopes he successfully makes it through all his phases of training.
Keep Wishin' him luck!
Truckee (17 months - Phase 1 of training)
Monday, April 6, 2015
EMPTY NEST SYNDROME...
To much of our dismay the time finally came when we had to say goodbye to Truckee. We had no idea this guy would make such an impact on our lives. Truckee wormed his way into everyone's heart.
We said farewell on March 22nd and surprisingly enough it wasn't as emotional as we all had thought it would be. The Grandma had been through this process 17 times before this so she was well aware of how things would go. As for The Girl, myself and The Boy this was our first time saying good-bye to a pup we had raised. For the 3 of us I believe taking him to his kennel, seeing the facilities (which are so incredibly awesome and clean), witnessing the volunteers and the staff interacting with the dogs made us realize Truckee won't be so "shell-shocked" when we leave. Truckee immediately grabbed his bone, ran outside and lost his bone under the fence! We knew that was going to happen right away, I believe The Girl called that one!
Our final days were spent trying to take him everywhere with us. Truckee was able to put his paws in the sand, meet The Boys girlfriend and escort them to the movies. Truckee accompanied The Mom while she interviewed potential candidates for work, went to a middle school play, and got cozy with the rude and mean cat, Callie.
How fortunate are we that 3 generations were able to share such an amazing opportunity? We will forever cherish the memories of the time we raised Truckee - The Guide Dog Puppy in Training. Truckee (the dog with the white stripe down his nose) broke a kitty cat that hates dogs and a husband who said "no dogs!". The cat now tolerates him and The Husband has admitted to missing him. We all are now suffering from "Empty Nest Syndrome".
For The Grandma, The Girl, The Boy and myself we miss him fiercely but we hope and pray and wish with all our might, that he graduates and makes memories with someone who needs him much more than we all do.
Best Wishes,
The Grandma, The Girl, The Boy and The Mom
We said farewell on March 22nd and surprisingly enough it wasn't as emotional as we all had thought it would be. The Grandma had been through this process 17 times before this so she was well aware of how things would go. As for The Girl, myself and The Boy this was our first time saying good-bye to a pup we had raised. For the 3 of us I believe taking him to his kennel, seeing the facilities (which are so incredibly awesome and clean), witnessing the volunteers and the staff interacting with the dogs made us realize Truckee won't be so "shell-shocked" when we leave. Truckee immediately grabbed his bone, ran outside and lost his bone under the fence! We knew that was going to happen right away, I believe The Girl called that one!
How fortunate are we that 3 generations were able to share such an amazing opportunity? We will forever cherish the memories of the time we raised Truckee - The Guide Dog Puppy in Training. Truckee (the dog with the white stripe down his nose) broke a kitty cat that hates dogs and a husband who said "no dogs!". The cat now tolerates him and The Husband has admitted to missing him. We all are now suffering from "Empty Nest Syndrome".
For The Grandma, The Girl, The Boy and myself we miss him fiercely but we hope and pray and wish with all our might, that he graduates and makes memories with someone who needs him much more than we all do.
Best Wishes,
The Grandma, The Girl, The Boy and The Mom
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