Day 14 - Graduation

You just want to go home. You may be worried, but reaching this point means that you have the basic skills that will help this new guide team be successful. You have one thing left to do in class.

Doggie Grad

Graduation has very little to do with you. In fact, for you, this is more of a beginning. For the dog, however, this is a ceremony that celebrates all that they have done in the short year-and-a-half since their birth. In addition, graduation recognizes the hard work of the puppy raisers.

Graduation is emotional. Graduation is (for those that don’t like to speak into a microphone) stressful. Graduation is controlled chaos. Graduation is fun!

If your puppy raiser is attending graduation, you can expect them to arrive shortly after lunch. You may be asked if you want to have an after-graduation meal with them. Assuming that you are going home on Saturday, you will be packed and ready before the raisers arrive. Trust me on this, you WILL BE PACKED BEFORE THE RAISERS ARRIVE!

When you meet your raiser, you can expect your dog to break just about every rule. They will be very excited to see the raisers. The best option is to keep them out of harness, and immediately hand your leash to the raiser. Let them have their time.

Also, take some time Saturday morning to let your dog burn off some energy. Let them play a bit so that they have a better chance at being manageable through the afternoon.

Brush your dog’s teeth at least twenty-four hours ahead of graduation. Groom your dog on Saturday morning. Relieve your dog before lunch, then again before the graduation ceremony begins. Ask the resident assistant to help find lost items.

Most people will dress in business casual or better for graduation. True formal wear is not necessary. You will be taking professional pictures with your dog and, assuming that they attend, your puppy raisers.

I will not write to much about the graduation ceremony itself, but I will make a few recommendations:

First, think about what you are going to say. You will have a short amount of time to speak to the audience. Keep it short, keep it focused on the dog, the friends and family that helped you get to GDB, the GDB staff, and the puppy raiser. Remember, this ceremony is for them, not you. You’ve already said what needs to be said to your class, and no one else is going to get the inside jokes. Relax.

Second, carry tissues or handkerchiefs. Graduation is an emotional event. Even if it isn’t for you, it might be for your raiser or someone nearby.

Let people help you. This is not a situation where you will be working your dog, nor will you use a cane. Sighted guides are abundantly available.

Relax.

The End

As I finish documenting this two week experience, I want to thank my family, friends, and coworkers for allowing me this time away to train. The compressed class experience affords less down time in which to stay in touch. Your understanding has been great!

Thanks to the other clients in my class. May you all have long and successful travels with your new companions.

To the support staff and volunteers at GDB, you have my deepest thanks. You make a home base for us to work out of during a very difficult time. My particular thanks to those that worked over the Thanksgiving holiday during this class experience.

To the instructors of our class, thank you. You successfully showed me a new way of working a dog. My travels will be safer and more successful because of how you broke down my old habits and raised me up in the new psychology of dog handling. Here’s to positive re-enforcement.

And finally, to my puppy raiser family. Kincaid would not be here in the place where I need him without your time, dedication, and effort. I know from firsthand experience how sending off a dog for training can feel. Know now that your work was worth it and that you have changed at least one life.

And to Kincaid: Let’s kick ass, little man. Forward!