Phase 4!

Well, after what felt like an eternity of no information , I finally learned where Glaze is in her training. My girl has made it to phase 4!!

This means that she has made it through:

PHASE 2:

-Obedience and Distraction Training (learning Heel for the first time as well as practicing sit, stay, down etc) She learned to work through tough distractions like other dogs, food, overly friendly people and scents.

-She was introduced to wearing a harness.

-She learned to run on a treadmill where she learned the commands Forward, Halt and Hopp-Up.

-She was introduced to low height agility obstacles and taught how to place her feet when encountering unusual surfaces as well as stairs and escalators.

-She was walked on leash through gradually more challenging clearance courses with obstacles.

PHASE 3:

-Command reactions encouraged to be more precise. the command Over Here is introduced. The dogs response is to change sides, behind the instructors back, to the opposite side. This will help a blind handler to maneuver the dog safely through heavy doors on the dog's side, revolving doors and store turn stiles.

-She has become comfortable wearing and working in a harness.

-Pattern Training:This is a method of introducing guide work to young dogs in a very positive manner. The instructor causes the correct behavior to happen by cueing the dog before an error is made. These are some guide work behaviors: Stopping at streets, clearing for the handler on the right and left sides, clearing for the handler for overhead obstructions, crossing streets in a straight line, moving forward at a consistent pace, learning the commands Left and Right.

What she's working on now in PHASE 4:

-Continuation in development of reliable responses when faced with distractions.

-Introduction to maintaining a line of travel in spite of a visually impaired handler's natural body movements.

-Establishing a consistent working pace and pull that will be the final pace and pull for the client.

-More difficult obstacle training. Glaze is now guiding in harness through a clearance course. Clearances requiring a stop are introduced.

Although I have become more used to not having Glaze around, I still think of her often. I think one of the hardest things is trying to find a suitable explanation for the littlest munchkins at summer camp as to why Glaze is no longer on campus. Time after time, they ask when she's coming back and every time their little faces fall as I tell them that she is not coming back. One little girl's eyes filled as she asked "Not ever?" My heart breaks every time.

Next Saturday, I will be going to the campus for the annual Fun Day, a day for all puppy raisers to get together to learn and love and talk all about our puppies with those who understand most. It is very much like a new mommies group! It will be very difficult for me to not wander off to the kennels, hoping to catch a glimpse of Glaze.