Read the latest on our pups' journeys!
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Summer 2022 Pupdate
Read the latest on our pups’ journeys!
Friend,
As a monthly supporter of our program, you’re receiving this inside look at the journeys of four prospective future guide dogs: Jamie, Calah, Graham, and Scout! Previous Pupdates can be found at this link.
Spring and early summer have given our pups time to settle into their formal training at the Canine Campus! The dogs spend their time here learning and training to be the best guide dogs they can be. Our trainers work doggedly (pardon the pun) to determine which pups have an aptitude for – and interest in – guiding.
After all, guiding a handler with sight loss is a tremendous and incredible responsibility. Our goal is to always place a dog in the role where they are happiest. (You can learn more about our career options for dogs here.) But the reality is, not every dog wants to be a guide dog.
In May, Graham let us know he wasn’t interested in becoming a guide dog – and we listened. While we were sad to have Graham leave the program, we know it was the best decision for him. He’s now happy at home on a farm in Ontario, where he is loved deeply by his new owners.
We know you fell in love with Graham – we did too! But guide dogs are among the most highly trained animals in the world and not every dog that passes through our doors will be suited for the job. In fact, determining that is part of the process!
First photo: Graham in early 2021. Second photo: Graham smiling with his new owner.
At the end of the day, even the loveliest dogs – like Graham – may not have the right temperament or health required to guide a person with sight loss safely and efficiently.
That’s why we need to ensure a steady stream of puppies enter the program, so the people with sight loss waiting for a guide dog aren’t impacted when a dog isn’t a successful candidate. Thankfully, your monthly support helps make that possible. Your regular donations enable us to bring new puppies into the program so no one has to wait longer than necessary to be matched with a guide dog. Thank you!
Training in Action
Pictured above, clockwise from top left: Calah with trainer, Scout and her trainer, Scout hopping into the CNIB Guide Dogs van, and Jamie learning curb approaches with his trainer.
Training Update
Name: Scout
Entered program: March 2021
Sex: Female
Breed: Golden retriever
Scout’s personality can be best described as affectionate and laid-back. She is incredibly clever and her face is very expressive! Scout is always looking a few steps ahead on walks. She keeps a consistent relaxed pace and loves to locate objects and destinations – from crosswalk buttons to empty bus seats to a set of stairs. Scout is friendly with everyone and loves other animals.
While sitting outdoors, Scout loves to search for ants. She locks on and follows them with her eyes as they scurry around. Sometimes she will crawl up close to get a sniff and even better look!
Scout has been working hard in training. She is responding to cues very quickly and knows what is asked of her. Right now, Scout is working on moving through crowds and controlling her pace so she can keep her future handler safe in every situation. You’re doing great, Scout!
Name: Jamie
Entered program: March 2021
Sex: Male
Breed: Golden retriever
Jamie’s trainer says he is a very sweet boy. He enjoys going out into the training van each morning with his friends. Right now, he’s practicing walking in full harness and learning how to navigate curb approaches, maintaining a straight line, and obstacle work. These three skills are essential for strong guide dog partnerships in the future since guide dogs and their handlers rely on each other and work together to navigate their world.
While his future handler will instruct Jamie on how far to go and when to turn, Jamie will be the eyes for the team. His responsibilities will include following his handler’s directions, deciding how to navigate any obstacles in the team’s path – from pedestrians to lamp posts – and handling different types of curbs, including bends and rounded curbs.
Jamie does have some dog distraction, which means he’s easily distracted by the presence of other dogs. This would be a safety risk for any future handler, of course, but Jamie’s trainer is confident his dog distraction will decrease as they continue to work together. You can do it, Jamie!
Name: Calah
Entered program: February 2021
Sex: Female
Breed: Labrador retriever
Calah has been in training for four months now and is doing incredibly well with the more advanced stages of her training. She remains quite bonded to her trainer and is very much a one-person dog. Calah’s standard of obedience remains high and she is extremely willing to please. She has now accepted the full guiding harness with very little hesitation.
She has also done many successful blindfolded walks, which is when a sighted trainer wears a blindfold while in training with a dog. When blindfolded, the trainer is unable to inadvertently give subtle cues or “hints” to the dog – so they can really assess the dog’s standard of work. If a future guide dog can guide a blindfolded trainer without errors, this means they’re nearing completion of their guide work training!
Calah continues to go to a variety of different environments and is quite confident in new areas. Her separation anxiety has improved greatly and she is able to be left alone with no issues! Calah loves to free run with the other dogs in training and gets along with them well. She also loves playing with her boarder’s cat! Calah’s trainer says she continues to be a pleasure to work with. Way to go, Calah!
Your monthly gift is making incredible things possible by supporting vital programs and powerful advocacy that empower Canadians with sight loss to live the lives they choose. Thank you!
Warmly,
Andrea Critch
Program Lead, Puppy Raising Supervisor
P.S. Looking for previous Pupdates? You can read them at this link!
