Day 9 - Let it Snow
A January class wouldn’t be complete without a good snow. And that’s what we got. I’m guessing we have 10 or more inches on the ground here and it’s still snowing!
This morning we were able to do a quick trip to the downtown training lounge and run some errands to Rite Aid to get some exposure to working in close spaces around items that Angie could pick up and sniff. Working to Rite Aid was definitely a challenge given that the snow had started, the pavement was slippery, and we both had a hard time seeing. It is definitely an experience having low vision and working with a dog. Some people who have remaining vision are not suitable candidates for working with guide dogs because they may unintentionally override the dog’s guide work. Thankfully, I have been able to balance that tendency with using my remaining vision for orientation and letting the dog take care of the things closer in range. Since my vision can change based on lighting conditions such as too much sun or glare, the low contrast of dimmed lighting or at night, and in conditions like today where everything is white; I definitely receive a lot of benefit from working with a guide. But again, choosing to use a guide dog is a very personal decision.
Ok back to the slipping and sliding. Angie had a little trouble identifying the down curbs because there was no real delineation between where the block ended and where the street began. Of course, with practice and maturity, her work and judgment would improve; it’s my job to give her patience as we work through those kinks. My instructor was there along the way as well, so I never felt unsafe.
We then went to Century 21 to do escalator work. This is a necessary tool that Angie will have to deal with as we use escalators routinely in the DC Metro system. Escalators can be dangerous for dogs if not done correctly since their feet can be caught in the teeth of the moving stairs. But if you can keep the dog moving on entry and exit, the dog is kept safe. We were also able to practice the “outside” command while exiting the Century 21 shopping center from the middle of the store. Denver was an extraordinaire when it came to knowing how to get outside on his own. Angie, well.. let’s just say we’ll do some extra practice. But that’s what makes working with them as unique individual beings. She will ultimately be stronger in some areas that Denver could have never done.
Due to the weather, it was decided that we would stay on campus and work on additional clicker training. Unfortunately, one of my classmates did have to have a dog switch. Based on what I know, the dog was exhibiting signs of aggression towards other dogs and including his handler. While this rarely happens, it must be taken seriously as the behavior tends to escalate once a team leaves the school. Going through class can be extremely stressful for both dog and human. So these things come up and is why The Seeing Eye takes a lot of care in making sure each team is safe and working well together before going home. This is also tough for the individual as he was starting to form a bond with his dog and ultimately had to make a decision to separate for the safety and betterment of himself in the future. He was matched with a dog who was also a suitable match shortly before lunch. When you come to class, they tend to have two to three dogs who would be suitable matches for each person and they choose the best out of those possible matches.
This evening, we had an adjusted schedule so the cleaning and kitchen staff could get home safely since the weather conditions have drastically deteriorated as the day has gone along. This evening’s lecture was on dog attacks. It’s an uncomfortable topic that everyone fears, but we have to talk about it so that we’re prepared for that possibility.
The funny part of the day was taking the dogs out to relieve. The school takes snow removal very seriously for the safety of the staff and students. But mixing in 15 young pups and snow, you’re going to get a bit of excitement. Unfortunately, we had to discourage play because it could have escalated into a dangerous situation for the dogs since the relieving area is concrete. But when I get home and to a fenced in yard, I am looking forward to letting Angie get a good run in.
So tomorrow, if the roads are safe, we’re out on the streets again! I’ll finally get to use my boots!
This morning we were able to do a quick trip to the downtown training lounge and run some errands to Rite Aid to get some exposure to working in close spaces around items that Angie could pick up and sniff. Working to Rite Aid was definitely a challenge given that the snow had started, the pavement was slippery, and we both had a hard time seeing. It is definitely an experience having low vision and working with a dog. Some people who have remaining vision are not suitable candidates for working with guide dogs because they may unintentionally override the dog’s guide work. Thankfully, I have been able to balance that tendency with using my remaining vision for orientation and letting the dog take care of the things closer in range. Since my vision can change based on lighting conditions such as too much sun or glare, the low contrast of dimmed lighting or at night, and in conditions like today where everything is white; I definitely receive a lot of benefit from working with a guide. But again, choosing to use a guide dog is a very personal decision.
Ok back to the slipping and sliding. Angie had a little trouble identifying the down curbs because there was no real delineation between where the block ended and where the street began. Of course, with practice and maturity, her work and judgment would improve; it’s my job to give her patience as we work through those kinks. My instructor was there along the way as well, so I never felt unsafe.
We then went to Century 21 to do escalator work. This is a necessary tool that Angie will have to deal with as we use escalators routinely in the DC Metro system. Escalators can be dangerous for dogs if not done correctly since their feet can be caught in the teeth of the moving stairs. But if you can keep the dog moving on entry and exit, the dog is kept safe. We were also able to practice the “outside” command while exiting the Century 21 shopping center from the middle of the store. Denver was an extraordinaire when it came to knowing how to get outside on his own. Angie, well.. let’s just say we’ll do some extra practice. But that’s what makes working with them as unique individual beings. She will ultimately be stronger in some areas that Denver could have never done.
Due to the weather, it was decided that we would stay on campus and work on additional clicker training. Unfortunately, one of my classmates did have to have a dog switch. Based on what I know, the dog was exhibiting signs of aggression towards other dogs and including his handler. While this rarely happens, it must be taken seriously as the behavior tends to escalate once a team leaves the school. Going through class can be extremely stressful for both dog and human. So these things come up and is why The Seeing Eye takes a lot of care in making sure each team is safe and working well together before going home. This is also tough for the individual as he was starting to form a bond with his dog and ultimately had to make a decision to separate for the safety and betterment of himself in the future. He was matched with a dog who was also a suitable match shortly before lunch. When you come to class, they tend to have two to three dogs who would be suitable matches for each person and they choose the best out of those possible matches.
This evening, we had an adjusted schedule so the cleaning and kitchen staff could get home safely since the weather conditions have drastically deteriorated as the day has gone along. This evening’s lecture was on dog attacks. It’s an uncomfortable topic that everyone fears, but we have to talk about it so that we’re prepared for that possibility.
The funny part of the day was taking the dogs out to relieve. The school takes snow removal very seriously for the safety of the staff and students. But mixing in 15 young pups and snow, you’re going to get a bit of excitement. Unfortunately, we had to discourage play because it could have escalated into a dangerous situation for the dogs since the relieving area is concrete. But when I get home and to a fenced in yard, I am looking forward to letting Angie get a good run in.
So tomorrow, if the roads are safe, we’re out on the streets again! I’ll finally get to use my boots!
Good story, you are awesome!
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