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Step 1
Get licensed to train seeing eye dogs. While California is one of the only states to require licensing, many guide dog training programs only accept licensed trainers. To get licensed, you have to complete a 3-year apprenticeship under a licensed trainer at a certified guide dog training school. Then, you have to take a written, practical or oral exam given by the licensing board.
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Step 2
Begin by socializing the dog and doing soft training. This stage of training lasts until the puppy is 18 months old and is ready for formal in-house training. Socialization entails taking the dog out in public so it is exposed to different situations, people and animals. Soft training includes house training and basic commands such as sit, down and stay.
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Step 3
Have the dog checked by a veterinarian at 1 year old. A guide dog should be in good health. The veterinarian must ensure that the dog's heart, lungs and hips are all normal. The dog must also have any shots due, including a rabies shot.
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Step 4
Start formal in-house training when the dog is 18 months old. This is the stage of training in which the seeing eye dog learns how to guide the owner while being guided by the owner. This phase of training is very intense. Teaching the dog how to behave on public transportation, in restaurants and in other public places is at the forefront of this phase. Teaching the dog training signals and commands also takes place during this phase. This phase generally lasts 6 to 8 months.
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Step 5
Teach the dog's new owner how to handle the dog. This stage is vital to ensuring the dog and new owner are compatible. During this phase, you will teach the new owner the commands and signals for the dog. This phase of training entails real world work, as well as basic care classes.
