Early training usually lasts for around 3-5 months with our Trainers and Mobility Instructors constantly assessing each dog and where they think the dogs future lies, whether it be as a Guide Dog, Assistance Dog or Companion Dog. Our Trainers and Mobility Instructors work with groups of five or six dogs on a daily basis, assessing each dog's ability and temperament all the while reinforcing positive behaviour and guiding skills. The dog is taken on several walks each day with the terrain depending on the level of experience of the dog.  While out, the dog is taught how to cross roads, stop at kerbs and how to avoid obstacles that would normally be challenging for its future owner.
 
If the dog completes Early Training successfully and meets the high standards needed to be a guide or assistance dog, it will move onto another 3 months of Advanced Training. I like to compare it to advancing to University from Secondary school! The dog is given more responsiblity and the need for problem solving is increased.  It is also very important to encourage the dog to help it gain self-confidence.  A working guide or assistance dog needs to be confident and self-assured - these traits make for a happy and successful working dog.

Earlier this week, a number of dogs in training successfully move on from Early Training to Advanced Training.  These six dogs will be trained further to become assistance dogs.

Jayne Husband and Rhea Eswer, two of our Mobility Instructors, received three new dogs each to train and in the near future, these will be matched with families of children with autism. Jayne's new pack consits of Glenn (Golden Retriever), Harry (yellow Labrador) and Fay (German Shepherd x Labrador) seen here on the left. Rhea has Flint (German Shepherd x Labrador), Edwen (yellow Labrador) and Gandon (Golden Retriever) as seen here on the right.