Special Presentation Abstract
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GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND This presentation will cover the dramatic changes in guide dog training over the past decade. Since the 1920's, guide dog training has applied traditional training techniques to develop dogs to guide blind individuals. Guide Dogs for the Blind, has led the way to incorporating positive reinforcement based training (clicker techniques) since 2005. Guide Dogs for the Blind is the largest guide dog school in North Amerca and the 2nd largest school in the world. The process of changing a traditional based program over to a positive reinforcement based program has been challenging and very rewarding. This presentation will summarize Guide Dogs for the Blind's trnsaformation and their assistance to other guide dog schools in learning the power in clicker training. |