When the trainer’s eyes are covered

The biggest evidence that the guide dog really learnt the lessons when he leads his covered-eye trainer.

We practiced with Indigo with covered eyes
We practiced with Indigo with covered eyes

With this exercise we made sure that the dog is capable to pay attention to a person, to assist her, he learns self-confidence and patience, and acquires high level of self-determination.

When reaching the stairs, Indigo indicates the stairs by putting his forelegs on the first stair.
When reaching the stairs, Indigo indicates the stairs by putting his forelegs on the first stair.

After approx. 20 hours spent with practice there is an exam where the trainer’s eyes are covered. The team completes the route practiced before within approx. an hour. The exam includes tasks such as unleashing and recalling, searching for a bus stop, getting on a vehicle, searching for a free seat on the bus, staying in place in a disturbing environment, searching for a crosswalk and crossing the road safely, etc.

The guide dog shows the bus stop to his trainer by jumping up.
The guide dog shows the bus stop to his trainer by jumping up.

 

The guide dog shows a free seat in the bus shelter by putting and keeping his head on the bench until his trainer finds it.
The guide dog shows a free seat in the bus shelter by putting and keeping his head on the bench until his trainer finds it.

 

When the dog reaches the down stairs, he stops.
When the dog reaches the down stairs, he stops.

 

In order to cope with the traffic easier, Indigo shows the traffic light signal button with his nose. In this way it is ensured that the traffic light turns green.
In order to cope with the traffic easier, Indigo shows the traffic light signal button with his nose. In this way it is ensured that the traffic light turns green.