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However, this is a very myopic view of dogs. There are other dogs, particularly the working class, that, like people, labor everyday to earn their keep. One such dog is the guide dogs, who carries the responsibility of helping disabled people go from one place to another safely.

A pet dog leading, and practically caring, for its owner. It’s like a story with the roles reversed and it’s amazing. So how exactly do these dogs train to become guide dogs? That’s what we’re going to find out.

What Guide Dogs Do

Guide dogs are divided into two categories, depending on the specific disability of their handlers. Thus, there are guide dogs for the blind or the visually impaired and there are guide dogs for the deaf or the hearing impaired.

The task of the guide dog is very important, as such all breeds thta are turned into guide dogs must undergo rigorous training. Their training addresses some, if not all, of the tasks below:

* Keep a direct route. Guide dogs should be trained to ignore distractions, including smells, other animals, and other people.

* Maintain a slow but steady pace. Guide dogs should walk with enough speed to enable them to remain just ahead of the handler. Also, they should stay to the left.

* Stop at all curbs. The handler would usually give the command to proceed.

* Make right or left turns. Guide dogs should be taught to respond to commands of moving forward and stopping.

* Recognize obstacles and avoid them. Specifically, guide dogs are trained to identify barriers or obstacles that the handler cannot go through. Examples are narrow passages or low overheads. They are also taught to stop at the bottom or top of stairs and only proceed when the handler commands them to.

* Bring the handler to where the elevator buttons are located.

* Lie quietly when the handler is resting or sitting down.

* Help the handler in miscellaneous tasks, such as boarding or moving around buses. Most guide dogs are also trained to tackle maneuvering around subways and other forms of public transportation.

* Obey a number of verbal commands from the handler.

And the most important thing of all: Guide dogs are taught to disobey even a command from the handler if following it means putting the handler in harm’s way.

Profile

Guide dogs are comprised of intelligent breeds with even temperaments. Obedience should place high among their list of positive traits. One common breed used as a guide dog is the Labrador Retriever, which is a sturdy dog with a gentle but highly intelligent nature.

Tags: dog obedience, dog agility training, dog house training, dog obedience tips, companion dog training

1. Work out several single syllable commands you will use with your dog. Dogs don’t speak English so you need to keep your commands simple and consistent throughout the family. Words such as “heel”, “go”, “stay”, “down”, “off” are all common terms used when teaching dogs obedience.

2. Use a firm, kind voice when training your dog. Their hearing is much more acute than ours so yelling at your dog will not make him do things any better.

3. Always use positive reinforcement when your dog does the right thing. When teaching them obedience commands such as “sit” or “stay”, reward them with affection, encouraging words such as “good boy”, food treats or play.

4. Dogs love games, so if possible, employ game playing into your obedience training sessions. This way, your training sessions will become their favorite time of the day.

5. Start each obedience training session with your dog sitting on the left hand side, in the “heel” position. When your dog has mastered this command, he will be ready to try a new one.

6. Don’t train your dog for longer than fifteen minutes at a time. Like a child, a dog’s concentration span is shorter than an adult’s.

7. When you give your dog a command, don’t reward him until he does the right thing. Reward him immediately he gives the correct response.

8. Be patient with your dog. It may take quite a few practice runs for him to do the things you want him to do.

9. If you need to punish your dog for incorrect behavior, you must give the punishment immediately after the act has taken place. If you leave it a few seconds to give the punishment, your dog won’t know what he is being disciplined for. He will not link his bad act with the punishment and will become confused and even fearful.

Giving your dog obedience training will not only make him a better behaved pet, but it will also help in socializing him. Directing your dog in a positive way gives your pet a ‘job’ and helps him expend some of his mental energy.

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Tags: basic dog training, dog housebreaking, dog problems, dog leash training, dog puppy training