Comments on: Guide Dog Puppy Raising 201

By: Colby

Colby — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:01:58 +0000

In reply to Amanda.

Hi Amanda,

This was the first time I had heard to use the short leash when relieving our dogs. I’m going to check with the trainers at our school to see if they prefer us to use the long or short leash when relieving our puppies in training.

Thank you so much for commenting. It’s great to hear the insights of guide dog handlers to help us become better puppy raisers.

Take care,
Colby

By: Colby

Colby — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 07:57:05 +0000

In reply to Rashi. Thanks for stopping by!

By: Colby

Colby — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 07:55:23 +0000

In reply to Irene. I never really thought about the short leash until Tony mentioned it. Thanks for stopping by!

By: Amanda

Amanda — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 02:10:14 +0000

I think it is interesting that Tony would say that it is better to have them relieve on a short leash. At the guide dog schools I have gone to and all of the graduates from schools all over the country that I know, we’re taught long leash relieving skills. It has been drilled into us as a symbol for the dog to be off duty and allowed to move out to get busy. Yes we are also taught to not walk around for a few reasons one is orientation since some blind people can not find there way back easily if they have been walking in circles and two because it encourages the dogs to sniff and find the greenest curb or grass and not go quickly where directed.
If a handler pays attention even on a long leash one can tell what the dog is doing and if needed can step towards the dog when it starts going, if necessary put their hand on the dog’s back to confirm what they are “doing” then bend and scoop.
I have had four dogs, am waiting for number five, and each has been an integral part of my success, freedom and of course my life. I would not be who I am without them.

By: Rashi

Rashi — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 06:49:30 +0000

Thanks Colby! thats a great tip!!

By: Irene

Irene — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:22:35 +0000

Thanks for the puppy training tips. We too have given all our pups two syllable names. I found Tip #2 very interesting. It does make a lot of sense to keep the puppy on a short leash when potty training a pup to be a guide dog.

Keep up the good work Colby!

By: Colby

Colby — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 07:30:50 +0000

In reply to Cheryl. Thanks Cheryl. That's a great tip and one we've used with our guide dog puppies too.

By: Colby

Colby — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 07:16:47 +0000

In reply to Jessica Sala. I usually ask friends and family too. I also usually ask people on my Facebook page and blog. I usually end up with lots of great suggestions.

By: Colby

Colby — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 07:14:58 +0000

In reply to Jodi.

Thanks Jodi. Sorry for the late response…vacation, work, etc have really been putting a damper on my blogging. I like DE-LIE-LAH better than just plain DEE as well, but I also understand Tony’s reasoning for short names that are easy to use with commands. In the end the puppies we raise will hopefully be guide dogs so I try to do what is best for the dog and his future handler. However, my own personal pet is a whole different story…

By: Colby

Colby — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 07:08:14 +0000

In reply to houndstooth. When we first started in the guide dog program we were told not to use common names and personal names, but since I've been raising puppies for over 6 years now I've heard plenty of personal names such as Thomas and Brian. Although those were both sponsored puppies. Puppies are sponsored for a $5,000 donation and sponsors are allowed to name their pups.