Phase 6

Millie moved to phase 6 this week! She is doing about a phase a week since she skipped phase 4. I am getting more excited with each passing week, and cannot wait to see what she chooses to do for her career.

Phase #6

• Guidework routes in difficult and challenging work environments (heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic areas, wide crossings, hectic atmospheres, etc.)
• Introduction to sidewalkless areas and rounded curbs
• Continued work in malls, stores and buildings, with increasing exposure to varying sights, sounds and smells
• Lessons in advanced guidework skills, such as moving turns
• Introduction to "intelligent disobedience" (dogs learn to refuse to obey a command if it is unsafe to execute)
• Advanced obedience training

Phase 1

Millie is in Phase 1! I am so excited to finally see one of my pups make it to the phase report. Since Sterling was cc'd while still with me, Millie is the first to go back to campus. I can't wait to watch her progress. Here is a description of Phase 1 from the Guide Dogs website. Some of these things she may have already done since she has been on campus for 6 weeks already.

Phase #1
Pre-training physical exam
Neutering/spaying (with the exception of potential breeding stock dogs who are under evaluation at this time)
X-rays
Eye checks
Relaxing walks on campus and play sessions
Introduction to the kennel environment and schedule
General daily care and grooming