# GEB Training Question

Category: Animal House

## Post 1 by Flidais (WISEST IS SHE WHO KNOWS THAT SHE DOES NOT KNOW) on Tuesday, 24-Sep-2013 15:38:00

Anyone know if/how leniant the GEB trainers are with taking you out to a few "touristy" places? I had my heart set on seeing a broadway show, but it sounds like that's not something I'd be able to do.
We had so much downtime at GDA when I got my first dog, I thought getting out for an evening wouldn't be a huge deal. It sounds like I can try to work something out with my trainer, but was wondering if/what others have been able to go out and do in the past?

## Post 2 by Daenerys Targaryen (Enjoying Life) on Tuesday, 24-Sep-2013 21:04:27

I think some of the people in my class went to a bar one time but that was it. I had Michelle and Jolene when I was there but I know they have several different trainers so not sure what they would let you do. I know you wont be able to take your dog with you if its not during a training hour though.

## Post 3 by Flidais (WISEST IS SHE WHO KNOWS THAT SHE DOES NOT KNOW) on Tuesday, 24-Sep-2013 22:31:52

Thanks for the info.
Did you do any training in New York City?

## Post 4 by Daenerys Targaryen (Enjoying Life) on Tuesday, 24-Sep-2013 22:42:54

Yes think you will sometime during your last week of training.

## Post 5 by Sword of Sapphire (Whether you agree with my opinion or not, you're still gonna read it!) on Wednesday, 25-Sep-2013 1:14:47

Hello,
You can go off campus if you wish, but it would be more convenient to do something like this in the evening or during a weekend. You do have to leave your dog behind. I am not sure if the trainers will take you out. They might help you arrange transportation, or get one of the instructor assistants to drive you, but I can't guarantee that.
Also, there is training in New York City during the last week, but no time to do any touristy things. The students are there to get guide dogs, not see the sites and attractions.

## Post 6 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Wednesday, 25-Sep-2013 10:56:22

Sure they're there to get guide dogs, just as if we get called up we are there to work on base. But that doesn't mean we can't leave the base when off duty. That's kind of patronizing to think they can't do as they wish off duty.
Now I can understand the student is on his or her own for any of that, though, and if you gotta be on duty or in class in the morning, maybe skip hitting the watering hole till two in the morning. But a few rounds in the evening can't hurt, just might take the edge off though.

## Post 7 by Flidais (WISEST IS SHE WHO KNOWS THAT SHE DOES NOT KNOW) on Wednesday, 25-Sep-2013 18:11:00

Thanks Leo, that pretty much sums up my opinion on the matter. I had hoped my freetime would be my own, but when I found out it wouldn't be I thought maybe I could encorperate a show into training somehow. Seems other dog guide schools are like that with their downtime too though.
Anyway, since then they actually offered to fly me in a couple days early so I can sightsee on my own, which I thought was very nice of them.
So I'll get my show afterall.

## Post 8 by chelslicious (like it or not, I'm gonna say what I mean. all the time.) on Wednesday, 25-Sep-2013 19:22:45

that's the least they could do, I'd say, given that they won't let your off time be yours.

## Post 9 by Nicky (And I aprove this message.) on Wednesday, 25-Sep-2013 23:06:47

well it isn't just about your off time being yours but you are there to get a dog and your off time is about bonding with your dog before you take it home. You can go off at times but you have to come back and feed and park your dog at the times they are suppose to get it done. Your number one focus is the dog, then everything after.
It is really nice that you will have a couple of days before your classes to get to do some activities. It will be much easier because after you get the dog you might still be trying to get the point to your dog that your the new boss to really enjoy a show.
Keep us updated and let us know how things go.

## Post 10 by Shadow_Cat (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Thursday, 26-Sep-2013 20:30:03

Nicky is right. It's not about the school being custodial or restricting your free time. It's about priorities. Given that you can't take your dog off campus with you, and the whole reason you're there is to train and bond with your dog, it doesn't make much sense to be frequently leaving the campus in the evenings and leaving your dog behind. I think most schools are like this, not just the ones mentioned in this thread. I actually think GEB is doing something a lot of schools would not do by flying you in early so you have that chance before training.

## Post 11 by Flidais (WISEST IS SHE WHO KNOWS THAT SHE DOES NOT KNOW) on Friday, 27-Sep-2013 0:11:45

I agree SD, that's why I made it a point to mention what they did because they earned big points in my book for going out of their way like that.
As for the training, I understand the point is to bond with my dog, this isn't my first dog, so I didn't come into this ignorantly, but I simply felt that allowing adults to have a little say over their time was warranted. From the flyer it sounded like I couldn't leave period, but it sounds like from others' posts you at least get a little freedom which I can live with.
Again they've been nothing if not accommodating since I expressed my desire to see a bit of NY, so I give them a huge thumbs up.