Phase 2: In Town and Responsible Lead

Obedience and Distraction Training 
General collar responses and formal obedience responses continue to develop. More challenging distractions are introduced at a closer proximity, including: various dog breeds, food, solicitous people, and unusual scents.

The verbal cue “over here” is introduced. This cues the dog to move from heel position, behind the handler’s back, to the right side of the handler in order to walk safely through a door that opens to the left (hinge on left). This is also helpful when going through revolving doors and store turnstiles.

Body Handling Acceptance 
Body handling acceptance continues to be developed and improved. Grooming, pilling, bathing, ear cleaning, teeth cleaning, feeding, and playing are done to simulate client handling. The dog is taught to lie down on their side in a variety of settings for inspection and care as needed.

Kennel Adjustment and Routine 
Canine welfare training technicians (CWTTs) continue to focus on kennel enrichment activities, relaxing time in community run, grooming, and campus walks. Specialized programs continue, such as kennel enrichment, harness socialization, etc.

Wearing the Harness 
By now, the dogs are comfortable wearing and working in the harness. Any dogs with sensitivity to wearing the harness are put on specialized programs.

Pattern Training Progression 
Instructors now allow the dog more freedom to make decisions and make some mistakes. When errors begin to occur, instructors show the dog the correct answer before the dog gets confused. Basic level guidework responses are directed as a client might do. The dog experiences all guidework behaviors and the instructor still patterns any advanced responses.

Guidework responses progress to the extent that the dog can respond to each verbal cue consistently with minimal leash gestures or leash use, and maintain a straight line of travel with the instructor under blindfold. The dog learns to ignore the handler’s body position or movements, and to compensate for same as needed.

Planned Dog Distraction Route 
While everyday routes in town present natural distractions to the dogs in training, these distractions are variable and often unpredictable. Also, not all dogs may have the opportunity to encounter that same distraction nor have the ability to use it in a productive manner. For example, if a pet dog comes around the corner suddenly yet also leaves suddenly, the dog in training does not have an opportunity to either make a choice to ignore the distraction or re-focus in the midst of that distraction. To afford all dogs in training the opportunity to develop this important skill, instructors work a route that includes two or three “set up distractions”– staff-held pet dogs in pre-determined areas on a route. These distractions can be seen from a distance, and the dog in training learns to remain focused both leading up to and passing the distraction.

Up Curb Exercise #2 
The second up curb exercise is incorporated into a route in town. This exercise teaches and reinforces the “curb” verbal cue, which is used only in the street to indicate to the dog to move to the up curb as efficiently as possible.

Physical Agility 
Programs continue as in Phase 1.

Obstacle Course Progression 
Most dogs are ready to guide through the clearance course, and are collar cued by the instructor to move as a finished guide might move. If not ready to work in harness, dogs continue to walk through the obstacle course on leash. Obstacle course design becomes more difficult, requiring more angled clearance moves by the dogs but not requiring a stop.