Trainer's Diary: Big City and Blindfolds

Last Friday, we completed our final week of working the dogs before class. On Monday, we went to Tampa to do city work. Tampa isn't Manhattan, but the downtown area is big city enough. Large buildings, 6 lanes of busy traffic, buses, crowded sidewalks, food vendors. The whole deal. If a dog can handle Tampa, he's probably good to go. Some dogs love the city and all the commotion. Some dogs just tolerate it. While we're there we teach the dogs how to go through revolving doors. We ride a 2 story escalator and a glass elevator. We walk over a drawbridge that is one long metal grate that vibrates with the passing traffic. We practice intelligent disobedience. It's a jam-packed and fun-filled day:


Caesar's Joy waits at a curb. Somehow, I managed to get a traffic-free moment.



Gilly works a revolving door.


Amsie and Katie wait for the elevator.

The last part of the week was blindfold walks. It's exactly what it sounds like. The trainers put on blindfolds and work the dogs. We always have another trainer spotting us, just in case (no one wants to break an ankle right before class. Or any other time, for that matter). If there is a final exam for guide dogs, this is probably it. Because, as much as we try not to, as a sighted person, it difficult not to "cue" the dog: subconsciously slowing down at curbs or leaning out of the way of obstacles. Once you are under blindfold, it's totally and completely up to the dog to keep you safe. And sometimes, dogs just fold under that pressure.

Also, your body language changes when you are blindfolded. Personally, I have a hard time keeping my balance when I'm blindfolded, so I tend to go reeling down the sidewalk like a drunken sailor. Also, my whole demeanor becomes more tentative. Naturally, the dog picks up on this immediately and it adds stress. I've seen dogs go a few yards with their blindfolded trainer and actually turn and look up at them as if to confirm it is the same person. This mimics what the dogs go through when they first start working with new students. Even though the students are comfortable travelling without vision, they can be very nervous and unsure about handling the dog. They have to learn how to follow the dog. All of this puts stress on the dog and a blindfold walk shows us how the dog will handle that stress.

So. One more week before class. Still lots to do. Stay tuned.

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