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VIDBE-Q Volume 63 Issue 4
commands used with a dog guide. They are given the chance to do a Juno walk, using
the harness with the instructor as "Juno" the dog, on the last day of their training if it is
appropriate for their instruction. If the instructor feels it would also be beneficial for the
client to complete a dog walk they are given the chance to complete one with one of
Leader Dogs Ambassador Dogs. This opportunity can provide valuable information to
the client regarding which type of travel they prefer, cane or dog. As an intern learning
the techniques used in dog guide travel provided insight into what my future clients may
need to have instruction in if they are planning to get a dog guide. While completing my
internship I also observed three dog guide classes as they worked on campus and in
the same areas as the Orientation and Mobility class. Observing the clients and their
new dogs over the course of their 26-day class was an interesting experience and
provided a lot of insight into how they work and learn the commands.
The opportunity to observe this part of Leader Dog not only provided some
insight for myself into the world of dog guides but allowed our clients who were there for
Orientation & Mobility to get this same insight if not more. The Orientation & Mobility
clients were able to observe and interact with the clients who were there to get a dog,
so they had an opportunity to ask questions that myself and the other Orientation &
Mobility instructors may not be able to answer. This provided the clients with more
information so that they could make a more informed decision about getting a dog guide
after completing their Orientation & Mobility. Observing the dog guide class provided
myself with the opportunity to see how the cane skills transferred to working with a dog
and has better prepared me for my future as an Orientation & Mobility Specialist.
