Half Way There

DeJay is in Phase #5 of his training! We are so proud.


Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc.
There are ten phases of training through which our dogs progress
during their training cycle:
PHASE #1
Pre-training physical exam, neutering/spaying (with the exception of potential breeding stock dogs who are who
are under evaluation at this time), X-rays, eye checks. First walks on leash. Introduction to the kennel environment
and schedule. Relaxing walks on the campus and play sessions with instructor assistants. General daily care and
grooming.
PHASE #2
Preliminary harness and obedience training. Introduction to distractions (toys, food, other dogs, cats, etc.).
On-campus training of leading into harness (pulling forward in harness) utilizing the BEST program and
responses to guidework-specific commands such as "Forward," "Halt," "Hopp Up" and "Steady."
Introduction to campus obstacle course on leash.
PHASE #3
Harness training in quiet residential areas; frequent rides in the training vans. Teaching new guidework commands
and responses, such as "Right," "Left," and "Over Here," as well as continuing to work on commands learned in
Phase 2. Curb checks and street crossings are introduced. Progressive obstacle course training on campus.
Obedience training continues. Mall exposure walks and introduction to dog social sessions. Those dogs who are on
the breeder-watch list but are not selected for the breeding program are spayed or neutered.
PHASE #4
Guidework training progresses on more difficult sidewalks in busier sections of downtown areas. All curb types and
more complex street crossings are introduced. The dogs begin to show clearance awareness, and begin to guide
their instructors through the campus obstacle course. Preliminary obedience testing and an evaluation of the dogs’
reactions to head collars are also performed.
PHASE #5
Preliminary guidework testing is performed with the instructor under blindfold. Complete medical history review.
Guidework training environments become more challenging: pedestrian traffic, stairs, different flooring surfaces,
etc.