Phase Zero: Arrival Period

Before formal guidework training begins, the dog is introduced to GDB's kennels, enjoys walks on our campus, and receives oodles of care and enrichment from our Training staff. 

Health Screening and Kennel Socialization 
During this important transitional period, each dog receives a preliminary physical exam, performed by a canine welfare training technician (CWTT). The CWTT thoroughly inspects each dog from head to tail and checks the nose, teeth, eyes, ears, coat, skin, and feet. Any ailments, abnormalities, or concerns are noted and brought to the attention of GDB’s veterinary staff. Most dogs that enter training are in excellent condition, although some may require medication for minor ailments such as an ear or eye infection.

During the first week on campus, dogs receive the following:

• Orthopedic x-rays
• A formal in-for-training physical exam by a GDB veterinarian
• An eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmology specialist
• A weigh-in to determine the dog's accurate weight

During the veterinary physical examination, each dog also receives any needed vaccines based on the veterinary records submitted by puppy raisers.

Once physical examinations are finished, each dog is formally assigned to a guide dog mobility instructor's group of dogs (called a “string”) and a specific training kennel. Instructors train four dogs at a time, which enables them to get the dogs out approximately twice a day, every day, Monday through Friday. A string can range from 8 to 16 dogs, depending on the campus, staffing capabilities, and overall client matching needs.

During this introductory period, each dog’s personality and manageability are evaluated to help prepare instructors in how to motivate and teach each dog most effectively.

Phase Zero normally coincides with the team of instructors returning from a session in class followed by visits to clients in their home areas. Prior to the instructor team’s return, CWTTs, core support instructor staff, and qualified volunteers care for the new dogs helping them to adapt to the kennel environment in an engaging and positive manner. Dogs are initially housed in a kennel by themselves, which is conducive to cuddling and enrichment with staff or volunteers. Once x-rays and physicals are done, dogs are often paired with a roommate, and the two dogs reside in the same kennel run. 

Week Zero Activities

• Walks on campus and playtime in enclosed paddocks
• Doubling kennel mates who play well together
• Weekly grooming
• Medication administration, as needed
• Human and dog interactive play or cuddle sessions
• Introduction to group community run playtime
• Kennel enrichment activities

Kennel enrichment is anything that stimulates the senses and puts the dogs at ease in a kennel environment. The primary focus of the CWTTs is to care for and provide kennel enrichment for the dogs. Some enrichment activities take place daily for every dog, other activities are done intermittently, and others still are targeted towards specific dogs (for example, dogs that are slow to adjust to kennel life; boarding or retired guides; career change dogs, and breeding stock dogs waiting for homes). Kennel enrichment activities are continuously evolving and the CWTT staff is always coming up with ways to entertain and stimulate the dogs. 

Enrichment activities are many, including:

• Bones and chewable toys, food-stuffed Kongs, and ice cubes
• Hanging toys with or without food in them
• Plush and squeaky toys (closely monitored)
• Baby pools filled with water 
• Community run time filled with toys and playground equipment
• Scents: vanilla, peppermint, anise, lemon, almond, etc. sprayed in the kennel
• Bubbles, mirrors, wind catchers, sound machines, music
• T-Touch, Pilates, massage, and Reiki
• Behavior training for dogs that need additional socialization
• Exercise including outdoor walks, treadmill walks, play in enclosed paddocks
• Cuddle time

Training staff carefully observes each new string to make sure that each dog makes as smooth an adjustment to the kennels as possible. If a dog is identified as needing additional support in this adjustment, an individualized plan is developed that might include:

• Additional time spent with staff and volunteers on walks, in cuddle sessions, and/or play sessions
• Consistent, supervised time in a staff office
• Overnights spent supervised by staff in the student residence
• Any specialized program specific to the needs of that dog (vet care, additional time in a setting the dog enjoys, etc.)
• Staying with a local foster care volunteer in their home