Category: Let's talk
Hey Guys,
As some of you already know I am going out for my first dog this sunday. I'm so excited. What was it like for you? Do you have any advice for me? what was it like going home with your dog for the first time? Your comments are greatly appreciated!
Amanda
Hey what school are u going to?
I'm going to leader dogs. I need advice from people and I want to know there experiences.
Going to guide dog school is different for everyone. Some people go in excited, others terrified, and some a bit of both. I got my first guide a year ago (a year ago tomorrow, actually), and for me, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life so far.
The best advice I can give you is to pay attention. You're going to be learning a lot over the next month, and listening and keeping as much of that information in your head as possible is important. Don't go into training with too many expectations. Don't be like, "i want a male yellow lab because yellow is my favorite color and male yellow labs are the best workers!" Color is not as important as the dog's working qualities, and many first-time handlers have misconceptions about what they think each breed is like. On the other hand, dson't be afraid to make it clear that you need a dog with a certain kind of working temperament (cool under the pressure of large urban areas and train/subway work, good at patterning for college campuses, friendly but not easily distracted by small children, Etc.)
Traing can also be very emotional. I found it very helpful to keep a journal to write out my feelings. Talking to friends or family can also be helpful, but remember that many of them might not understand what you're going through.
Good luck and keep us posted. If you'd like any more advice, PQN or PM me. you can also read my training journal, amandasdog.livejournal.com, to get an idea of what training is actually like, although I went to the seeing eye, so some things will be different.
Hope this helped.
I've been to The Seeing Eye, and Guide Dogs in California. There were many differences, but there were also a lot of things that were the same.
Hillary was my first dog, and I received her in '97. The main thing to keep in mind, is you'll have a lot of things thrown at you, in a fairly short amount of time. You may feel like, you'll never remember it all, but believe me, it does sink in. It's been my experience, that listening to retrains, is a very valuable part of the learning process. They can tell you things, first hand, that an instructor may not even think of.
When you first get home, try to relax. Just give you and your dog, a chance to ease into things. You'll both make mistakes, but you'll learn and grow together as a team. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you have any concerns, address them with your trainer as soon as possible. You only have a month, so the quicker you can work out issues, the better off you'll be.
If I can help in any way, I'd be more than happy to do so. Feel free to message me, or pqn me. I wrote about my experience at guide dogs in my livejournal, if you care to read it.
Earle
I'm still working with my first guide dog. I got him back in the summer of 97. When I went, I was very excited, but at the same time, nervous. Like someone else already mentioned, don't go into the school expecting one particular thing. Each and every dog is different. I remember while I was at the school getting my dog, there was a guy there, who was adamant about getting a male Doberman. However, the school didn't think that that particular dog matched up with his personality, etc., so they didn't give him one. He was extremely angry about it, and the school had to make him leave.
You're going to be learning a lot over the next month, so be prepared as much as possible. When you get your dog, take time to slowly get to know them, and to let them get to know you. Remember to have patience. You are a new person who is being brought into this dog's life, so it may be a little scary for them at first. When you start working with the dog, pay attention to everything possible. Pay attention to the dog's attention span, how well they are working, the speed of their walk, etc. Anything and everything you can notice. If there are any discrepancies whatsoever, do not hesitate to mention them to your trainer. Just because you are a new guide dog user, doesn't mean that you don't know what you're talking about, when it comes to you and your dog's compatibilities.
This is going to be a wonderful experience for you. I know it was for me, and I'm so happy that I got my dog. I love him to death, and I don't know what I'd do without him. You're going to create a bond that's unbreakable. I wish you lots of luck, and definitely keep us posted on how everything goes for you.
My mom and dad took me to a school in Florida! I only lasted for 8 days! Now I have just a regular dog named Daisy! She was abused and I'm glad I have her! Hope
I got my dog 5 years ago. It was very tiring and hard work. I am from Scotland so maybe it is different in Scotland than the states.
Wow the last post by the Scotish person was cool! What's it like to go through guide dog training in the Uk?
If anyone wants to read my livejournal I am writing about my training.
www.livejournal.com/users/aly_and_aj_rule
I'd love to read your comments. I get my dog tomorrow and I can't wait!
Congradulations Amanda keep us posted!
congrats amanda, all the best!
I have to warn you, it's kind of overwhelming bringing your dog home. Or at least, it was for me, just a little bit. Someone told me it's like bringing home a baby from the hospigal. no instructors telling you where to go because you should know your neighborhood well enough to where you can travel independently.
well no in a way but Jessica will always be there if I ever need anything I can always contact her. She's a wonderful person!
Is Jessica your instructor? What exactly can she help you with?
Yes she is. They actually have floolow up services or graduate services whatever you want to call them. Anyway they will actually come out to your house if you are hacing a problem and help you out. And if I ever had any dog related questions I could always call her or email her and she can help me that way too. You can also come back for a week for brush up.
Hey, how are you doing with your dog?