Guide dogs also known as assistance dogs or seeing eye dogs are trained to help people who are blind or partially blind around obstacles. The dog must learn how to be physically sound and desensitize to most public situations. Most seeing eye dogs are primarily german shepherds, labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and boxers. Occasionally, rescued dogs from shelters start their career as a guide dog. Some mixed breeds such as labradoodles are especially good for people with allergy. Also, puppies are raised by volunteers, who train basic obedience training and socialization until the puppies are eighteen months old. The seeing eye dog training last from three to four months. Most schools for guide dogs conduct physical exam to see if the dog is fit to be a guide dog.
The dogs learn advanced obedience skills such as pulling in harness, stopping at curbs, and know how to protect the handler and itself from danger. Due to the dogs color blindness of not seeing red or green, the owner must make judgment from movement of traffic by its sound and command his/ her dog to move forward. The dog only carries out the command if it is safe to do so. After the training, the dog spends a month at the community, school, or an individual instructor with visually impaired people who are accepted to begin work with their new dog. After the dog finish training with the new owner, they are certified and released.
Despite strict restriction for prohibiting dogs to enter certain places, seeing eye dogs have special permission to escort their owners in places like government agency and general public areas. Visually impaired people can lead their lives with a guide dog for assistance.
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Occupation: Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop CS3
Anna W. is an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop CS3. She received her B.A. in Studio Arts from the Wheaton College and a M.A.E. from the Rhode Island School of Design. Her teaching experience include: CDIA, New Horizons, and Newton Community Education. Presently, she teaches Photoshop CS3 online to graphic designers, photographers, art students and people who are interested in digital imaging arts for free.