Alternative Careers

Only those dogs showing the self-confidence and composure necessary for guide work are assigned to undergo the rigors of guide dog training. These dogs have shown enthusiasm and desire to undertake the tasks of working in harness. It would be unfair to force an unwilling dog into guide dog training; this is why Guiding Eyes says that each dog “chooses its own career”.

When the pups leave their puppy-raising family, the decision on whether a dog will proceed to training is made after review of previous temperament reports and a temperament test called the In-For-Training test, or IFT test. The IFT test provides valuable information on how dogs react to stress without the support of a familiar person. Because all dogs are tested in the same setting at around the same age, the information from the IFT test allows us to compare dogs. The most confident dogs are very adaptable, which means they are confident and relaxed even without a supportive person or when exposed to strange situations.

Dogs that test poorly on the IFT test, along with a history of consistent insecurities or poor adaptability when with their puppy raisers, will usually be released at this point. Other dogs that show promise are either re- evaluated or are started in training, with the hope that a strong relationship with a guide dog instructor and time to adjust to a new situation will allow them to become successful.

Passing the IFT test is not a guarantee that a dog will graduate from guide dog training. The test only evaluates a few aspects of temperament. The real abilities of the dogs will not be known until they learn how to guide and demonstrate that they can be consistent, reliable workers in any situation.

Sometimes the temperament traits that make a dog unsuitable for guide dog work are the specific traits ideal for detection or patrol work. Guiding Eyes has affiliations with the US government Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) , as well as state and local agencies and organizations that train and place dogs for detection work, such as the Connecticut State Police Canine Unit.