Training Golden Retriever Puppies to be a Guide Dog
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Golden retrievers are one of the preferred breeds for seeing eye dogs. But how do they get trained? It all starts with a volunteer who loves training puppies. Who can resist getting to raise adorable fluffy Golden Retriever puppies?
On first glance, it looks to have the appeal of leasing a car – every year, you get a brand new Golden Retriever puppy to raise, train, and socialize! However, it’s not all fun and games – you have a very important job that will determine the quality of life for a handicapped person and must take that job seriously.
The first steps in the process are to sign up to be a puppy raiser. There are different application processes for the different guide dog schools, so you’ll need to find the requirements for the one in your area. Your job when you receive a Golden Retriever puppy is to raise it for the first 14-18 months of its life – its puppy hood. Your main task is to be sure the puppy is well-socialized and exposed to as many different people and places as possible. Your second task is to training Golden Retriever puppies in basic obedience.
Socialization Training
Since a seeing eye dog must bring its blind owner to all sorts of locations, it is important that your puppy be exposed to all sorts of things. Your Golden Retriever puppy will have a special vest that identifies him as a service dog in training. This will enable you to bring the puppy anywhere that you would normally go. Make it a point to visit as many types of places as possible so your puppy becomes accustomed to the sights, sounds, and smells of the world. When your puppy is wearing his vest, he should not be touched by anyone. It is important that the puppy connects the wearing of the vest with work time.
When the puppy is not working, he should be socialized with as many people and other dogs as possible. Many puppy raising organizations have meet-ups where you can bring your puppy to socialize with other Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever puppies that are also being trained to be service dogs. You can also bring your puppy to the dog park for socialization training.
Obedience Training
Another vital part to training your Golden Retriever puppy to be a guide dog is basic obedience training. For starters, your puppy must be housebroken. Once your puppy knows the etiquette of living in a house, you can begin to teach him basic commands like Come, Sit, Down, and Stay. Teaching your dog to Heel on a leash is also necessary. These are all easy commands to teach and will give your puppy the foundation necessary to be successful when he moves on to guide dog training when he is 14-18 months old.
Saying Goodbye
One of the most difficult parts about training a Golden Retriever puppy to be a service dog is saying goodbye when it is time for the puppy to move on to advanced training. While it is hard to give up the bundle of fluff that you’ve grown to love, keep in mind that this dog is going to make someone’s life much easier and happier. Besides, you can always apply to get a new puppy and have the joy of raising a puppy over and over again!
