ADULT TRAINING CLASSES
The majority of classes held are conducted on a domiciliary basis (home based training). From time to time we also hold residential courses that are based at a local hotel.
Domiciliary Training
Your new canine partner is delivered to your home by your class instructor either on a Wednesday or Thursday. The practical class training then begins the following Monday and will take place over three weeks (15 days) Monday through Friday. Prior to delivering your guide dog your instructor will have very carefully matched you to your specific dog to meet your individual needs. Matches are made based on your size, walking speed, and home environment.
On the day of pre-class canine placement your instructor will spend the day with you instructing you on how to walk your dog on a leash with sighted assistance, in-house obedience, free running (in a secure area), feeding, grooming and toiletry. The purpose of the pre-class placement is for you and your new dog to bond together before the rigors of class training begin. This bonding eliminates the possibilities of your dog being distracted by your class instructor.
Your formal training commences on the Monday and over the three weeks you will cover the entire spectrum of training, equipping you for success in your post graduate period. Training would include working your dog in harness in both urban and rural areas. It would also include public transit, public buildings, shopping malls, routes with and without sidewalks, how to deal with obstacles on the sidewalks, safely crossing streets, dealing with the public, and access issues.
During class each instructor always works on an individual basis with one client at a time. On completion of the class you will have attained a high level of competency with your guide dog and be well established in your use of your home routes. Each client receives a minimum of 50 hours of in-harness training in class.
Residential Hotel Based Training
BC Guide Dog Services does not have a residence and so we make use of a local hotel when conducting residential training programs. The advantage of a hotel over a residence brings a more realistic component into the training. At meal times clients may order off the hotel menu. Each client has their own ensuite room. A special dog bed is provided for your guide dog in your room and the dog bed is then taken home when you graduate. Wireless internet is provided in all the rooms.
During residential training your new guide dog is pre-placed in your home in the normal manner. During the residential training program the class program is run for eleven days straight. The hotel component of the class begins on a Monday and finishes eleven days later on a Friday. On the Friday you travel home with your dog and rest over the weekend. Your class instructor will then join you at home on the Monday and work with you for a further five days - Monday through Friday.
