The Next Step... Formal Guide Work Training

Dogs are returned to San Rafael when they are around 14-18 months old. They are tested for physical and mental soundness and pass through eight phases of training. Different dogs take different amounts of time to complete the training. Each level teaches new skills and introduces new situations. A dog can be dropped from the program at any level for a multitude of reasons that would impair their ability to guide. These dogs are called Career Changes.

Puppy raisers put an amazing amount of time, dedication, and love into every puppy, and while every raiser knows the destiny of the puppy, it still requires great courage to hand over the dog that has been their life for the past year. Whether the dog graduates or is career changed the raiser did everything they could for the puppy.

Puppies in Training

Bellini
Recalled: Oct 30, 2011
Raisers: Laura & Loralyn
In Class, Feb 11 graduation in Oregon

Alana
Recalled: Nov 27, 2011
Raiser: Tessa
Phase: 5