ALUMNI NEWS
SUMMER 2008, Volume 15, Number 2
THERESA DUNCAN, editor
Send submissions to the editor via tape, phone, mail or e-mail
We'd like to send our very special thanks to all of our alumni who, by their efforts or their example, refer others to our program.
NEWS FROM YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Ask the Editor
Re-Introducing the GDB Ambassador’s Club
Reunion Update
This Just In—ReunionAirfare Discounts!
25 Lucky Guide Dogs Go To Sea! 10-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise
CHAPTER CHAT
Attention Montana and Wyoming Alumni
Mark Your Calendar!!
AS WE SEE IT – Contributions from GDB Alumni
FROM THE TRAINING DEPARTMENT
Clicker Training; Facts and Fiction
Yoga Classes for GDB Students
ADMISSIONS AND GRADUATE SERVICES UPDATES
Animal Care Conference
OUTREACH OFFERINGS
Observations on the Guide Dog Lifestyle Workshop
DEVELOPMENT SPOTLIGHT
Giving Back to GDB
Supporting the Mission of Guide Dogs – One Purchase at a Time
ALUMNI BULLETIN BOARD
In Memoriam - GDB Graduates Who Have Died
In Memory – Guide Dogs That Have Died
In Tribute – Guide Dogs That Have Retired
GIFT SHOP NEWS - Summer 2008
NEWS FROM YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Ask the Editor!
Ask the Editor is a new column for Alumni News.In this column I willpost responses to suggestions and questions that have been posed by grads regarding various subjects here at GDB.If you have any questions or suggestions that you would like addressed either here in Alumni News, or privately email me at .
Question / Suggestion:
Dear Editor,
I heard about a new policy that GDB has adopted regarding applicants younger than 16.As a graduate, I want to share one thought on this with you.If possible, I think that it is preferable to arrange an in-class experience for these young, first-time handlers.The in-class experience is so valuable in so many ways that I feel it is something that especially a younger handler should not have to do without.
I understand the liability concerns regarding younger trainees on campus with older trainees, but I am proposing that one summer class at one of the campuses be reserved for young trainees and that these young people be offered the experience of bonding with their new dogs (and fellow young guide dog handlers) that will set them up for success.
I just believe strongly that the in-class experience with that first guide dog is too valuable to miss out on.The time for the handler where they are one on one with that dog is extremely affirming and it builds confidence that will carry that handler far in the future.The RA on whichever campus could also play a huge role in that confidence-building process.
Thanks for listening!
-Laurie
Response:
Laurie, thanks for your comments and suggestions.We are in agreement with you and would like to have students to our program experience the class setting whenever possible.We are looking at the potential to do exactly as you have suggested, group a small number of minors together and run a class out of the campus.Things do have to fall in place though.The numbers of minors as applicants are small at this time so we would need to have a least three or four qualified and able to come to class at the same time in order to make the class setting worthwhile for the students and our staff time.
I'm glad you appreciate that bringing a minor into a class of adults is not a position we want our students in.Perhaps in the future these numbers will change but for now we will have to adjust as necessary, if we have the appropriate numbers, even if they are small, we can run a class, if not we will have to consider an in-house service model.
- Terry Barrett, Director of Training Operations
Update: The August class will include a special class of five people who are minors!
Re-Introducing the GDB Ambassador’s Club
Some of you may remember the GDB Ambassador’s Club which was a program that served to recognize GDB alumni who referred applicants to our program that successfully graduated with a Guide Dog.Well, by popular demand, it’s back!!!
Did you know that GDB alumni are the number one source for referrals to our school?Did you also know that the success rate of applicants referred to GDB by our grads is higher then any other source?
Outreaching to people with visual impairments who could benefit from working with a Guide Dog is one of our greatest priorities at GDB.We are here to serve and would love to enhance as many lives as possible.Therefore, we want to recognize those of you who reach out to others and share with them the benefits of the Guide Dog lifestyle.
Here’s how the program works.After a student graduates from GDB we will determine from their interview and application who referred them to GDB.If that person is you, one of our alumni, we will send them a beautiful GDB afghan that depicts all of our breeds (Labs, Golden’s, Shepherds, and crosses).We will also list your name in the Alumni News in a special Thank You column.This new program will commence with the students who graduate after July 1, 2008.
A huge thank you to all of you who refer students to GDB—you are changing lives for the better!
Reunion Update
I am very pleased to report that we are having an enthusiastic response to the upcoming Alumni Reunion and Conference.To date we have nearly 200 people who have registered.The Reunion and Conference will be held at the DoubletreeLloydCenter in Portland,Oregon. from September 12-14.
The program committee has been working diligently to create a program that is both fun and educational.Some of the events you won’t want to miss are:
- Welcome Reception on Friday evening
- General Session on Saturday morning with updates from our new CEO Nancy Gardner, our Pacific Northwest Campus Executive Director, Sig Button, and various leaders from our Training Department.
- Lunch and tour of the Pacific Northwest campus with a Keynote address by Michele Pouliot, Director of Research and Development
- Awards Banquet and Dance on Saturday night
- Workshops on topics such as first aid for your dog, advocacy, access technology, custom training your guide and more!
To reserve your spot, call Roxanne Brown at Dimensions in Travel at 800 828-2962.
This Just In!!!Reunion Airfare Discounts!
Dimensions in Travel is pleased to announce they have arranged a special meeting airfare for our upcoming Alumni Reunion in Portland September 12-14, 2008. When booked through Dimensions in Travel, you will receive a 10% discount off the best available published fare with Alaska Airlines. It is valid for travel between Portland, Oregon and any city served by Alaska Airlines or Horizon Airlines. The fare is valid for flights departing September 9-17, 2008, which allows you to fly in early or stay longer to explore more of Portland. Ticketing fees do apply for tickets purchased through Dimensions in Travel but this is a great opportunity to try out the services of a travel agency that specializes in serving blind and visually impaired travelers. If you’d like to take advantage of the savings, please contact Roxanne Brown at Dimensions in Travel at 800-828-2962 or email her at .
25 Lucky Guide Dogs Go To Sea!10-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise
November 10-20, 2008 - Star PrincessRoundtrip from San Francisco
While it’s chilly at home, you are invited to sail roundtrip this fall from San Francisco under the magnificent Golden GateBridge and down the California coast. Then meander along the sunny Mexican Riviera onboard the Star Princess with other fun guide dog users, your family and friends. Snorkel or kayak in warm seas, swim with dolphins, join a fascinating walking tour and shop for handicrafts and jewelry.
The Star Princess offers outstanding service, gourmet dining, swimming pools, fitness center, exciting entertainment and specially trained staff. There will be a private cocktail party for our group, relieving area for the dogs, off-harness dog play time and front row seating in the show theater.
ITINERARY
San Francisco - At Sea (3 Days) - Acapulco - Ixtapa - Puerto Vallarta -Cabo San Lucas - At Sea (2 Days) - San Francisco
SPECIAL STATEROOM RATES
DESCRIPTIONRATE*
Balcony$1,599
Outside Oceanview$1,299
Inside $ 984
*Rates are cruise-only, based on double occupancy, subject to availability.Government fees ($70.77), fuel surcharges ($50pp), air to/from San Francisco and pier transfers are additional.
For more information, contact:Andi Cercos or Irene Swift / Dimensions in Travel, 300 Ignacio Blvd.Novato, CA94949 - 800-828-2962 or 415-883-3245
or
CHAPTER CHAT
AttentionMontana and Wyoming Alumni
The Montana and Wyoming grads held a conference call on Saturday April 26th to discuss the dates, time and location of our meetings. We decided on the following dates for our meetings, time and location may vary slightly.
Mark Your Calendar!!
The first Guide Dog support group meeting is scheduled for Saturday July 12th at one o’clock in the afternoon. The meeting will be held in Great Falls, Montana at the ColumbusCenter, 1601 2nd Avenue North. If you need directions, please e-mail Juli at r feel free to reach her on her cell phone at(406) 231- 4045.
Our other meetings are scheduled for Saturday October 11, 2008, Saturday January 10, 2009 andSaturday April 25, 2009
We hope to see you there!
For more Information please contact:
Kristina Dutton: , (406)557-2433
Kristina and Siskin Dutton
Juli and Graphite Brandvold
AS WE SEE IT – Contributions from GDB Alumni
Check out an article by GDB alumna, Judy Hartwell with GSD Guide “Barika”called Priceless Momentson our new blog at humorous look at the trials and triumphs of air travel is worth a read!
FROM THE TRAINING DEPARTMENT
Clicker Training; Facts and Fiction
ByThe Research andDevelopment Team
As many of you are already aware, GDB began formally using Clicker Training techniques for all dogs in training in 2004.We are thrilled with the outcomes which have been nothing short of fantastic.Success rates for dogs entering training have continued to climb with notable improvements in the quality of curb work, street crossings, and the dogs’ overall working attitude. Since 2004, over 1000 clicker trained Guide Dogs have graduated with clients and optional clicker training workshops have been provided to students in class since January 2007.
Sometimes the popularity that comes with a new training technique results in some confusion about the techniques themselves.“Clicker Training” per say has become very popular worldwide, often resulting in its use without any education in effective techniques.We would like to take this opportunity to clarify any misconceptions about the use of the clicker in training as it applies to working guides.
First let’s review what Clicker Training is. “Clicker Training” is the popular term for a training method based on what science knows about how living organisms learn. These techniques were established in the 1950’s, and have become increasingly popular since the 1990s.Clicker training uses a brief audible sound to tell the dog the moment he has done something we desire.The very brief sound “marks” the moment for the dog. It is like saying to the dog “Yes, that’s what I want”, all in a fraction of a second. It pairs that “Yes Answer” with a high value reward, commonly a food reward, encouraging the dog to repeat the good behavior again. The “Click” sound is also called a “BRIDGE” because it “bridges” the time between the actual behavior and the delivery of the reward for that behavior. Many sounds can be used as a “marker” or “Bridge”.A whistle, for example, is commonly used in marine mammal training.Whatever the sound is, to be effective a Bridge must be distinctive, very brief in duration and very consistent. Clicker training is a training method that focuses on rewarding desired behavior and it helps create happy, enthusiastic working animals.
Clicker training is used to teach new behaviors or to improve existing behaviors. Once the dog fully learns a behavior, the handler doesn’t need to use clicker but just follow through with reward. Whenever a handler wants to teach their dog a new behavior, or fine-tune an old one, using the clicker will greatly assist the learning process.Clicker trainers save using the clicker for the next time they want to train or modify a behavior. Think of the clicker as a “teaching tool” that you do not need once your dog learns a behavior.
What is not Clicker Training? Due to this little sound device being so readily acquired at any pet store, many people get one and begin “clicking away” at their dogs.Unfortunately, many people say they are “Clicker Training” when in fact they are just “training with a clicker”.What is the difference you say?
Actual Clicker Training does not clue the dog in to the fact that a valued reward is probable by the visual presence of a clicker, food reward or some other valued reward. If you hear someone say, “My dog gets so excited when he sees the clicker…” or “As soon as I show my dog that I have food reward, she responds really well.” they are not clicker training.Visual lures or prompts that cause a dog to suddenly be willing to perform will become necessary for that dog to respond.Clicking while feeding the dog a reward is not clicker training as the click is not providing an information to the dog.Basically it is just making noise while the dog is eating.
True Clicker Training applies the audible behavior marker at moments the dog is not focused on food rewards or handler movements.It promotes the dog taking the initiative to perform behavior that will cause the Click to happen, so they will receive reward.“Clean” Clicker Training means the handler does not develop pre reward cues to their dog (such as getting food reward ready prior to clicking) by waiting until after the click to reward their dog.
Correct Clicker Training with a dog, at any given moment, would have a specific goal to teach a behavior or to improve a response to an already learned behavior.Once a dog knows a certain behavior, there is no reason to keep clicking that behavior.There is good reason to keep rewarding a new behavior so the dog will want to continue to perform it, but the audible marker is not longer needed.
Clicking to get a dog’s attention is not clicker training but using a sound as a cue for the dog to check in with its handler.If the dog is given reward after this type of use, the handler was actually rewarding the dog for not paying attention, as they clicked when their dog was distracted.Distraction is certainly a behavior one wouldn’t want to reward.Reaching into a pocket or up to a lanyard to click a Clicker for good behavior is also not Clicker Training.To precisely mark behavior with a clicker, the handler must have their hand at the ready on the clicker; otherwise the click will come too late to communicate correctly to the dog.
Guide Dog users do not have many reasons throughout a normal day to use Clicker Training, but might have specific behaviors they are teaching their guide.Many GDB graduates are now using Clicker Training very effectively with their guides and reaping the powerful benefits of these techniques.Our goal is to provide sound instruction in these techniques to any clients that desire learning about them.We also acknowledge that, just as in the pet dog community, there are handlers who have started using a clicker without getting good instruction in applying the techniques.The good news is that there is little harm from incorrect Clicker Training, but we hope that through our workshop instruction we will promote Clean Clicker Training amongst Guide Dog users.
There is recognized etiquette amongst Clicker Trainers.We share the following with you as information that can assist in maintaining positive attitudes towards Clicker Training, especially around individuals that choose not to Clicker Train.
Clicker Etiquette
Avoid using a clicker during presentations or meetings.It’s considered rude to disrupt or distract a speaker or audience members with the sound of the clicker.
Avoid using a clicker while someone is conversing with you directly or with a group you are standing with.
Never point and click at another Guide Dog, even in jest. If not a clicker-wise dog, the sound could be upsetting.
Avoid clicking for the sake of making noise. If your dog is with you, you’re weakening the power of the click by not reserving its sound to mark and reward desired behavior. If your dog is not with you, it’s simply considered rude.
GDB’s class program offers clicker training workshops to all students in class. The focus of these workshops is to teach students how to effectively incorporate clicker techniques into their everyday Guide Dog travel.These workshops are optional to all students.Individuals with any interest in learning about clicker training should take advantage of the instruction in order to learn how to correctly Clicker Train with their guide and avoid ineffective use of the clicker.It is important to understand that your dog does not need the clicker to work effectively for you.Many Guide Dog users are finding Clicker Training to be a very useful tool to quickly teach new Targeting behaviors.This includes but is not limited to locating specific objects or spots:empty chairs, pedestrian crossing buttons, doors, islands in crossings, up curbs at difficult street crossings.It has also been useful to improve responses to existing behaviors, such as “Sit” which makes its use more effective in distractive situations. Whether a graduate chooses to use clicker training or not is THEIR CHOICE.