BC & Alberta Guide Dogs Services

Adult Training Program

The majority of programs 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 based on your size, walking speed, home environment, and many other criteria.

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. 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.

Your formal training commences on the Monday, and over the next three weeks you will cover the entire spectrum of training, equipping you for success in your post-graduate period. Training includes working your dog in harness in both urban and rural areas. It also includes public transit, public buildings, shopping malls, routes with and without sidewalks, how to deal with obstacles on the sidewalks, safely crossing streets, as well as how to deal with deal with the public and any access issues that might arise.

During class, your instructor works with you on an individual basis, and has just one client at a time. On completion of the program, you will have attained a high level of competency with your guide dog and will be well-established in your use of your home routes. Each client receives a minimum of 50 hours of in-harness training during the program.