Phase 1: Formal Training Begins - On Campus and In Town

A person trains a guide dog using a clicker - the clicker is dangling from their wrist on a bracelet.

Food Reward and Clicker Techniques
Food rewards are used in Guide Dogs for the Blind's guide dog training program as a powerful motivation and reinforcement tool for learning and maintaining desired behavior.

Clicker training is the popular term to describe a training method that uses operant conditioning - the animal intentionally performs a behavior in order to gain a desired reward. Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) uses clicker training as a tool for teaching various aspects of guidework and obedience responses. The clicker serves as a “marker” for the exact behavior the instructor would like to see the dog perform and repeat (e.g. targeting a curb, stair, escalator, elevator, crosswalk button, seat, etc.). It is a positive reinforcement-based system that associates high value rewards (food) with desired behaviors. The use of the clicker in guidework training encourages the dog to be an active participant in the learning process.

Enjoyable consequences (“rewards”) and the entire reward process is called “reinforcement.” Clicker trained dogs will actively try to learn new behaviors and will remember those behaviors years later. Clicker trained behaviors are performed by the dog with confidence and enthusiasm because the dog plays an active role and has control over when they receive rewards. They are enthusiastic because they understand that their performance will be rewarded with something very pleasurable.

With these training techniques, dogs in training learn faster and demonstrate higher levels of confidence in the work, and clients experience quick and encouraging results with food use as a supplement to praise.

Obedience Responses and Teaching Focus Around Distractions
In order to both successfully teach guidework and for a client to easily manage their guide dog, collar response is important. Collar response means that a dog readily follows or yields to even slight tension on the collar. For example, it is a useful tool that allows the instructor to physically cue the dog from its following position to move left or right in guidework. Alternatively, it discourages a guide dog from pulling in the collar while on leash.

Formal Obedience
The verbal cues “sit,” “down,” “heel” (both moving and stationary), and “stay” are introduced as precise positions in relation to the handler. Precision is important so the dog does not interfere with or disorient the client. The “come” recall is practiced on leash in a variety of areas and off leash in enclosed areas.

Focus is taught before and during basic obedience work. Distractions are used to teach focus and concentration toward the job. Distractions may include: other dogs, food, solicitous people, scents, and balls. Any dog that demonstrates below average ability to progress around distractions may receive additional attention in the following areas:

Different types of play sessions.
Higher value food reward to increase the dog’s motivation to work for the handler.
Extra time relaxing with their instructor to develop a closer relationship.
Extra abbreviated obedience sessions without distractions to improve collar response.

Food Refusal Protocol
All dogs learn how to politely accept food rewards and how to refuse food in all other situations. This specialized food protocol training is designed to handle the delicate balance of using food as a motivator while ensuring that no negative behaviors develop around food. In addition, the dogs are taught how to avoid and refuse food on the ground or offered by others.

Socialization
Dogs are introduced to riding in the crates in a GDB training van prior to actually riding in the vehicle. A configuration of crates, identical to those in the vans, is located in the kennel complex. All dogs are introduced to jumping in and out of this “mock” crate set before being put in an actual training van. Dogs then experience loading and unloading from crates in the van, riding comfortably and quietly, and waiting quietly in the van for their turn at a training route. If a dog makes a slow adjustment to the van crates, they are given additional or specialized socialization programs.

Body Handling Acceptance
Dogs are exposed to comprehensive, hands-on body handling, which includes grooming and paw handling, pilling, bathing, ear and teeth cleaning, feeding, and play sessions that are conducive to interaction with a handler who is blind or visually impaired (e.g. no excessive vocalization, no jumping up or running into a person). Any issues with body handling are evaluated and programs developed to improve issues are implemented as needed.

Introduction to the Harness
Dogs are given a calm introduction to wearing a guide dog harness. They initially stand, then walk around in harness as well as wear it in relaxed settings. Dogs with above average sensitivity to wearing the harness are put on a socialization program to improve their response and comfort level while wearing the harness.

Treadmill Training
Treadmill work introduces the dogs to the biomechanics of pulling into the harness and how to maintain a lead. Dogs are introduced to the verbal cues of “forward,” “halt,” and “hopp-up” as they learn to pull with a straight body position while walking on a treadmill. A comfortable gait and speed are identified for each dog. Most dogs adjust quickly to the treadmill through a systematic and careful introduction, use of food rewards, and lots of support and praise. Staff ensure the dogs are not only safe, but also enjoy their time on the treadmill. The introduction techniques are so successful that it’s common to see dogs trying to get on the treadmill whenever they walk past one!

Dogs receive two treadmill sessions before beginning harness workouts (pattern training) downtown with their instructors.

NOTE: Do not put pups on treadmills or escalators.

Pattern Training
Pattern training is a method of introducing guidework behaviors to the young dog in a very positive manner. The instructor cues the correct guiding behavior to the dog, allowing the dog to complete the exercise without any mistakes. In this way the instructor keeps all guidework-related learning very upbeat for the dog. Obedience is used during guidework to regain attention on the work as needed. Once the dog is attentive, guidework pattern training resumes. Pattern training lasts for several sessions (approximately two weeks) and is gradually weaned as the dog gains a better understanding of their responsibility. During pattern training, dogs are worked in a variety of environments, even challenging areas. However, advanced environments, such as heavy urban areas with crowds, loud noise, etc., are avoided.

Dogs are introduced to the following guidework behaviors during patterning:

Stopping at streets, regardless of the type of curb or wheelchair ramp.
Clearing obstacles for the handler on the right and left sides as well as above the dog’s head.
Crossing streets on a line that efficiently reaches the up curb on the other side.
Maintaining consistent pace and drive with the verbal cue “forward.”
Responding to the various uses of the “hopp-up” verbal cue: resuming or increasing pace; moving closer to a stopping point; or refocusing.
Stopping and standing calmly after the verbal cue “halt.”
Leading the handler in a 90 degree turn to the right and picking up the new travel line on the verbal cue “right.”
Leading the handler in a 90 degree turn to the left and picking up the new travel line on the verbal cue “left.”

Up Curb Exercise #1
Dogs are taught to target up curbs by placing their front feet on the curb via clicker training and food reward. The first up curb exercise is done on campus, and subsequent exercises are done on route in town.

Developing Physical Agility

Back Up Chute: Dogs do not know how to naturally move backward. Coordination training in how to physically back up is introduced at this time and continues for several weeks to prepare the dogs for future traffic avoidance training. In traffic avoidance, dogs are taught to speed up or stop, hold, and back up (if needed) in a straight line while facing the oncoming vehicle. Instructors use a purpose-built piece of equipment called a backup chute to teach the skill and mechanics of backing up in a very positive and fun way.
Obstacle Course: On-campus obstacle courses are convenient opportunities for the dog to learn how to safely navigate past objects. The instructor pattern trains the dog to move past the obstacles with caution. Dogs are encouraged to walk slightly ahead of the instructor. Early on, the courses are designed so that new dogs do not need to stop on the course.