How did your job with guide dogs start?

When I first started looking for a guide dog I was interested in options that I, as a blind person, had. The training school in Brno had really appealed to me since our first phone call – they gave me all the essencial information, explained what they can offer, what services they provide. Milan Dvorak was nice and helpful and there was no problem to arrange an appointment with him. Then, for about half a year, I was getting acquainted with Aimee untill she completed her training. Milan has chosen the right dog for me, concerning both her temper and character.

Could you describe your first experience in the school?

After about a year of being in touch with the school as their client I got an offer to inform the participants of the guide dog owners conference about activities of the „day-room“ of our training school in Brno. Later on, I started educating general public through seminars and practical examples what a guide dog means to its owner, how beneficial and useful it can be. After a couple more years, Milan Dvorak offered me cooperation in training of the guide dogs. Recently, I work with the dogs in the final stage of their training, it might be called final testing. Milan and his colleagues take care of the training procedure and in the final few weeks I enter the process too. Eventually, all the dogs must get used to the feeling of guiding somebody who is really blind, take responsibility for somebody who only relies on them.

What was the hardest thing at the beginning?

The hardest time must have had my dog Aimee – it must have been hard for her to understand that I was not going to leave her there or exchange her for a better, "younger prototype". Eventually, she seemed to understand why I left with a different dog every day, and she let me go on with my work. While working with other dogs I had to be less benevolent than I am with Aimee, she is rather and elderly dog, you know. I have to be really precise at work, as I train dogs for people who, same as me, are not able to see, thus it is a big responsibility to make the dogs follow the orders and work well. Concerning my trust in the dog, as I’ve said, there has never been a problem. Moreover, I fully rely on my colleagues in this respect, I know they would not give me a bad dog.

What does the training look like?

At the beginning we just go for a walk, it is kind of preparation for the following serious work, so I let the dogs run and play around, ideally somewhere where there are no cars. Then I try to call for the dog, see how long it takes them to get used to me. It really depends on the breed and character of each individual dog. Then we follow a pre-planned way and I notice how well is the dog able to guide me. If they forget about something we just go back and I repeat the order untilll they get it right. Believe me, you have to be really patient to be able to do this: repeat everything patiently, explain and teach. Consistency is really important, both me and the dog have to be fully focused for the whole time. Dogs always expect praise or reward when they do things right. And I mustn’t be inadequately strict when they make a mistake as they would be afraid then, just waiting for their next mistake to happen.

Do you always train the same dogs or different?

Me and my colleagues mostly switch so that the dogs don’t get used to only one person, they should work with everyone of us. Basically we switch the dogs every day or two.

We have already talked about the trust that must be built between a dog and its trainer. Do you have a general pattern how to do that?

Generally, the dogs that I get to work with, have been trained before and they have no problem to cooperate with me, they are quite independent. However, each of them is a unique personality, they have their specifics and we have to discuss those with my other coleagues. Almost every dog that doesn't know the trainer checks what he can afford and tends to cheat a bit. You got to give him and adequate reaction and he won't ever do it again. Of course, one also has to keep an eye on the dog's performance, I would work with them for about 45 minutes but if it is for example too hot outside I would adjut the training to the dog's needs and we have a rest earlier than that. No need to overload them. It is necessary to pay attention to the dog – its breath, pace or unnecessary mistakes may tell you a lot about how he feels.

Let's now take a dog's view: do you think a dog can tell the difference between you being their trainer and then being trained by somebody who can actually see them and check on them?

Absolutely. With me dogs have to rely only on themselves, they can not get any help from the trainer. If there is a tricky situation, they must be able to solve it themselves. All I can offer is enough time and patience, otherwise they lead and I follow.

That's it for the dogs. There is of course another aspect … how do you like cooperation with Milan and the school?

The cooperation with Milan is really great. He seems to work the same way with both dogs and people, it's just his personality. He is calm and patient, if you make a mistake he gives you advice on what to do, is open to discussion and compromise. His solutions are practical and nonrestrictive, his methodology concise but open to new ideas and initiatives. He likes to listen to other people's opinions and reach agreement as often as possible. Moreover he always makes really confident and relaxed impression, therefore we are not stressed and enjoy the work. Another really positive thing about him is his client-oriented approach which charmed me so much when I was looking for a dog myself. He is on the phone almost non-stop, even if outside of his office. In case of any problem he is always willing to help or even get into his car and solve the problem right at the spot. Dogs are not things to him. He understands them pretty well and takes care of the best match between a dog and its new owner. He would always go and check the person's home, conditions and place where the dog would stay and then choose the best possible match for both the dog and the owner.

Sounds like you really enjoy your work.

Of course, we also get harder moments. For examle this summer we didn't almost get to work in the shade, that was tough. I prefer the period from November to January, that's really comfortable for me. It really depends. Sometimes it's funny to meet people who don't know what I do and they are trying to help me. I value their interest of course and don't refuse their help, but concerning my work they are not really helping me at all. Once it happened I was training a dog to be able to avoid obstacles and I chose a pavement that was under construction. When I arrived there, the workmen started to put the obstacles away hastily and on the top of that even sweeped the pavement. That was real good. Anyway, I guess you are right, this work is very valuable. My own experience shows how self-sufficient and independent can a blind person become with the help of guide dogs. Then it's really up to the person what advantage they take of that. Aswell, every dog has its own personality, you have to know how to treat him, you have to learn in which situations you got to offer a helping hand. The best thing about that is when you meet a well-trained dog that makes a good match with it's master, you percieve that unique relationship, hear the stories about how their dog is helpful and the best one in the world.

Which one is actually the best one in the world? You've helped to train quite many...

The best one must definitely be my Aimee (smiles), but I guess the best one for everybody is their own dog. King poodles caught me by surprise, you would usually percieve those as some kind of toy, but very few people know that their character and temper are very suitable for working as guide dogs. I was really disappointed once when I heard a person saying poodles are stupid dogs – at the time I had one of my poodle students with me – so I was trying to defend her and had a minor argument with the guy. I don't know if I truly convinced him, but for the time being, he at least stopped saying those things out loud.

Thanx for the interview.

My pleasure

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