Training Phases

Here's a summary of the different training phases the dogs progress through when they head back to campus.

Phase 0

Health screenings (X-rays/eyes); agility; kennel enrichment; campus walks, community run intros

Phase 1

Clicker intro; tethering / collar response; food reward and refusal intros; obstacle course; first up-curb exercise; “over here” verbal cue; agility; back-up chute; harness exposure; treadmill; off leash recall; formal obedience begins; pattern training begins

Phase 2

Pattern training continues; second up-curb exercise; distraction route in town; responsible lead exercise; food protocol continues

Phase 3

Third up-curb exercise; dog boot intros; preliminary obedience and guidework testing

Phase 4

Interior building work begins; intelligent disobedience and overhead obstacle intros; traffic conditioning; natural traffic checks begin

Phase 5

Natural traffic checks continue; formal traffic training; total barricades; city routes; escalator intros; city bus route

Phase 6

City routes continue; sidewalkless training; platform training; light rail route; leash relieving begins

Phase 7

Advanced overhead obstacle training; more complex routes

Phase 8

Finishing / Maintenance routes; Class preparation

Final tests: obedience, guidework, building, and final traffic; pre-class phone meetings with clients; hand and chair targeting intros; pole targeting; dormitory building exposure; pre class physicals; pre-class meeting with the instructor team, supervisor, dorm manager and nurses.