Casey Close-up – photo by Lisa Thompson

We finally got news tonight that Casey is in phase 8. We haven’t seen the phase report yet but our leader used her connections to find out and will send the report along when it finally comes. Yeah Casey, way to go girl!

Phase 8 – Final Testing, Finishing and Pre-Matching

• Final Obedience Test
• Final Blindfold Test
• Final Building Test
• Final Traffic Test

NOTE: Dogs that receive passing grades are deemed “Class Ready Guides.” These dogs are fully qualified and ready to be issued to a client.

• “Finishing” Routes
• Practice with Less Experienced Handlers
• NEW! Specialized Training

All dogs are introduced to hand and chair targeting. Instructors introduce pole targeting (for crosswalk buttons) on a few different routes.

• If needed, select dogs may do custom work for identified clients (slower pace or fast pace, compromised balance — client who travels with a support cane, toed-out gait, etc.)
• Pre Class Physicals (AKA: PCPs)
• Final Class Preparations

Instructors size all dogs for new class collars, boots, head collars and harnesses. Pre-matches are done based on information gathered from home interview and pre-class phone call meeting.

• Dormitory exposure

Dogs are walked through the dormitory building in preparation for their in-residence training.

• Socialization

All specialized programs are complete for class ready dogs.
CWTs focus primarily on relaxing walks, kennel enrichment and play sessions for the dogs.

Now we just have to wait for that phone call. It should tell us she is in class. But sometimes dogs are still career changed at this late phase. The next class starts on January 16th so we could get that call as early as the 17th.

p.s. We got the phase report on Friday and Casey’s brother Crosby is in class scheduled to graduate on January 14th. Also Radison and Snickers are in phase 8 too.

Casey with gold bow around neck – photo by Lisa Thompson

Our CFR is still out so I just got the note from Lindsey today that Casey and Radison are both in phase 7! It is hard to believe that their training is almost done. I look forward each week to Thursday to find out how our sweet little girl is doing. Keep it up girl. You are almost there.

Phase 7 – Advanced Training
Obedience and Distraction Training
Continues as in phase 6. Dogs are handled by different instructors to teach them good responses are expected with new handlers.

Guidework Training
Advanced training includes work in both suburban and urban areas, and requires forward-looking decision-making (initiative).
These routes can consist of:

•  City traffic patterns
•  Difficult crossings
•  Difficult clearance situation
•  Areas with a challenging line
•  Animal distractions
•  Surface issues
•  Curb approach challenges
•  Pedestrian islands
•  Crowded sidewalks
•  Different pedestrian climate
•  Additional city bus exposure
•  Additional rapid transit ride exposure
•  Additional and multiple escalators
•  Rounded corners

Escalator Training Continues
Dogs now independently board, ride and exit.

Platform Training Continues
Avoidance of drop-off edges on pedestrian platforms of subway and rail systems.
Boarding and exiting trains.

Overhead Obstacle Clearance Training
Advanced overhead training occurs both on campus and in town, when available.

Socialization
Continue as in previous phases, as needed.
Leash relieving practice on cement surfaces continues. Dogs that are not comfortable do additional socialization, as needed.