I went where? How?

Well I still don't really know where I went, except that I somehow looped around campus, as for the how, that one is easy. I went by blindfold. Yep blindfolded guidework. The lucky pup...Lillibelle (phase 9). The farely incompetent handler/ blind person... that would be me.

I was approached by an instructor holding a harness and blindfold while finishing meds in the middle section. "Want to go do some Guidework?" Want to...Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Ready...No. First we start by fetching my dog. A little background. I'm approximately 5' 10'' and I walk fast. The dog...one of the shortest in the kennels, moderate walker. Did I mind...only in retrospect. I fetched the collar from the hook next to the kennel and attached it to my leash. Opening the kennel I slipped the collar over her head and fetched her from the kennel. This done while attempting to fend of one of the bigger and more exuberant dogs in K2, Simone's brother Squire. We walked outside into the covered kennel hallway and I put on the harness. OK, step one done. She asked me if I had done any Juno work or been to fun day. Nope, completely unprepared. But I was watching the trainers like mad that morning. How did they hold the harness and leash, how did they signal the dogs, so I suppose I wasn't completely incompetent. Then we walked out to the start of our journey. This was where we started, the sidewalk here across from the entry gate to the kennels. I put on my blindfold and she instructed me as we went.

First, take hold of the harness handle. I knew from watching the trainers that you grip it loosely, letting it rest in the curve made by your fingers instead of holding it in a tight death grip. Next, place the leash across the handle and in between your index and middle fingers. Then, basic instructions. The position I was to maintain was directly to the right of Lillibelle's hip. Whenever she stopped, I was to step up into Halt position next to her right shoulder, while still holding the harness. This means that my arm would be stretched out behind me. This position is so I can search for obstacles in my path with my left foot or right hand. For example, a curb or a construction sign. Then we started. I instructed to stand tall and say in a commanding voice "Lillibelle, Forward." And off we went. I don't know where we went but we started going in this direction, directly opposite of the kennel entrance, toward the main entrance and we ended up back in the kennel hallway in front of K2. With a steady stream of commands of "Right, Left, Forward and Hopp up" we found our way around campus.

I must say I fell over my feet a few times. The problems however were mostly mine.
1) I didn't stay as close to Lillibelle's hip as I should have. I tended to drift to the right.

2) As per my habit with puppies in training, I commanded and stepped out at the same time. I am used to stepping out with or before the dog. With a guide dog, the handler needs to step out after the dog. I was reminded several times by the Instructor that I would have just walked into a open manhole. I need to wait until the dog starts so that it can signal me.

3) As Lillibelle's pace tended slower than mine, I would ride up on her back end. Again, I am used to the dog going my pace instead of me going the pace of the dog.

4) I couldn't walk a straight line

5) Lillibelle was used to following the commands of her trainer, try as I might, I was not her trainer. I was warned of this. Her biggest distraction will be the Instructor. I was struck by the true importance of the bond between Guide Dog and handler. The Guide Dog must want to work for the handler and must trust their commands. The handler needs to trust the dog and needs to be worthy of respect from the dog.

As for memorable parts...it pretty much went by in a blur. At curbs I would praise her and give her kibble for stopping. At one point she stopped for a construction sign set up for the dogs and students working on campus. (like the one in this picture) Pat the sign..."Careful, Careful." At one point she picked up her pace and it felt so natural, like we were flying down the sidewalk. And at another spot she continued to work perfectly as another dog in training on campus barked and lunged at her while she was leading us down the sidewalk. Good Dog Lillibelle. And then, before I knew it "Lillibelle, Inside." We were back in the back in the kennel hallway and I could hear the other dogs barking, ready to work, and we had finished our route. Good Dog, Lillibelle.

In all, it was a wonderful and educational if exhausting and disorienting trip. And the best part would be praising Lillibelle at the end. We were both estatic. After, I had to stop at her kennel every time I passed to tell her how good she did at guiding me.

Next time...have you ever seen a van attempt to run over a guide dog in training several times at five miles an hour. No...well thats traffic training for ya.

And on an unrelated note, Royale (my cc) and I will be attempting a whirlwind tour of dog sports. We did Rall-O class, next up Agility, Obedience, and Flyball.