My guide Dog Training Plan

Forward

Prompt: Step off with toe of left foot say "forward" indicate with a swing forward with right arm Eventually one or two of these prompts will be sufficient appropriate to circumstance

Expectations:

Dog should pull into the harness

Dog should maintain a quick walking pace

Dog will continue forward in a generally straight line until curb or obstacle is encountered or new command is given

Dog will go back to line of travel after obstacle

Dog will continue around gentle curves of less than 45 degrees from the original direction

Dog will decide when to start forward as circumstances dictate within reason

Teaching:

In a clear area with a straight even sidewalk with little distractions move ahead with the dog. Take hold of the handle c/t.

Continue with above and add: A few more steps c/t

Build up to longer distances vary time holding onto the handle c/t for continuing to move forward Gently pull back on the handle repeat above steps c/t for all successes go back to previous step if problems occur or use even gentler pressure

Add more pressure onto the handle until reaching the preferred level of pull c/t for all successes

If the dog pulls to hard try pushing the handle forward a bit to release a bit of pressure c/t when the pull is correct Or drop the handle and try again c/t when the pull is correct before it gets to hard While moving add the forward command as soon as taking hold of the handle c/t

Start in stationary position give forward prompt c/t for any movement forward

Continue to start in stationary position wait for longer and longer of forward movement before c/t

Stop

Prompt: Verbal "whoa" release of pressure on the harness handle

Expectations:

Dog will stop promptly in a safe place

Teaching:

While moving forward with the dog release pressure from the handle c/t for any acknowledgment slowing down, turning his/head etc.

Cue forward, release pressure, stop forward movement c/t

Dog should anticipate c/t when pressure is released from handle repeat until this happens

Add the verbal cue "whoa" while releasing the handle pressure c/t as above

Repeat as necessary

Give verbal command "whoa" with pressure still on handle c/t for any acknowledgement release pressure as soon as the dog stops.

Important Notes

Please note that this guide dog training plan was written for my own use and is shared here for your reading enjoyment. I make no guarantee of its effectiveness, safety or usefulness. It is not intended to replace the use of your own judgment. If you have questions about any information on this web site please read the Livingblind.com company policies Please check back often for more guide dog training info. I will be adding more lesson plans as I write them.