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| One of the most common questions we receive at Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind is, "How do I become a trainer?" What people often refer to as trainers are actually much for than this. The proper term is a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor. |
| Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Overview |
 Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind only train staff for our own requirements. Other Guide Dog Schools also follow this procedure. We do not actually run courses every year. As this is an in-service Training Program, we take on new apprentices only when we require more staff.
These notes are intended to give a general idea of the involvement of an Apprentice within Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. However, these notes should not be regarded as a job specification.
Apprentices spend three years learning the many functions
relative to the training of the Guide Dog and the visually-impaired person. During this time, they will participate
fully in the care and maintenance of dogs and kennels,
and learn aspects of veterinary care, practical and
theoretical knowledge of canine psychology and welfare,
selection and training of the dogs, interviewing and
training of our clients, psychology of visually-impaired
clients and the practical training of our visually-impaired
clients in the efficient use of a Guide Dog.
During the three-year learning period, the trainee writes examinations and is assessed practically on an ongoing basis. The final exams are marked both internally by senior training staff and by an external senior instructor. The Apprentice must obtain a mark of 75% or more to gain a pass. The Apprentice then qualifies as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor.
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| What Is Involved |
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Expressed simply, the job is concerned with the selection
and training of suitable dogs and the selection and
training of each individual client in the use of the
Guide Dog. The dogs selected are given preliminary training
and conditioning, then taken on to the advanced training
stage. This process takes some five to eight months
with each Guide Dog.
Prior to the start of the residential class, the Apprentice/Instructor
matches the visually-impaired clients who have applied
successfully for training with a Guide Dog. Classes
are held as often as possible with a maximum of eight
clients per class (four per Instructor). The class runs
on a four-week residential basis. During this time,
the progress of the new teams is carefully controlled
so that the dogs and the new users develop confidence
in each other as more and more complicated situations
are experienced and negotiated. After graduation, members
of the training staff visit the new users in their homes
within a few days of their return. This aftercare service
ensures that the new team starts off on a good, sound
footing.
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| What Type of Person Suits the Job? |
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Applicants should have an appropriate level of related
education. As we are a national organization, French/English
bilingualism would be an asset. Experience with dogs
is useful, but a natural ability to relate to them in
a balanced fashion can be more important. Experience
with life itself is valuable and helps provide a solid
background for the teaching situation in which Instructors
often find themselves. All applicants must hold a clean
and current drivers license.
Applicants should be physically able as it must be
clearly understood that it is very hard physical work
and very stressful mentally. The training staff are
walking nearly all day and in all types of weather.
There are considerable demands prior to and during a
class, the latter often proving to be a stressful time.
Many other qualities are necessary, ranging from good physical/mental coordination, physical strength and staying power. Temperamental stability, self-control, tact, perseverance, a sense of humour, some natural authority and a willingness to take on responsibility are important - all in addition to a fondness of people and of animals, particularly dogs. From time to time, all the Apprentices are required to live in. More details will be given if selected for an interview.
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| How Do I Apply? |
Unfortunately, due to the large number of enquires
we receive, we are unable to offer any type of preliminary
interview or job shadowing. This opportunity opening
is extremely rare. If you are interested, please forward
your resume. Your resume will be kept on file for six
months. No telephone calls please.
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind
National Office and Training Centre
P.O. Box 280
4120 Rideau Valley Drive N.
Manotick, Ontario
K4M 1A3
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