Training a Guide Dog from Nothing

This is Nina. 

Just like any other dog, Nina is playful and naughty. But unlike most dogs, Nina has the destiny to guide and provide love and help to her future master, a person who cannot see. 

Nina came to my family around the end of July 2021. When she first came, she wanted to run around the house and play all day, but unfortunately, Nina could not be like any pet dog. 

In order for Nina to accomplish her goal of becoming a guide dog, we had to tie her to a secured place in our home so that she could get used to life with a sightless person. 

Nina's life has many differences from other pet dogs. For example, she can only eat dried pet food instead of getting the chance to try out bread or ice cream made for dogs. Nina also cannot play on grasslands because there may be flees or other harmful pests that can affect Nina's path of becoming a guide dog. 

In addition, Nina also has to go to special classes with the main trainer at the Guide Dog Association a few times per month so that she could learn the way of the guide dog through proper training. In the picture above, Nina is on her first trip to a supermarket. She first experienced the escalator so that she wouldn't be afraid of it when she experiences it again in the future. 

Nina also has to go to regular health checks to make sure that she is healthy and strong! When Nina first came to our family, she was only about six kg, but after three months, she quickly grew into about nine kg. Nina was also provided toys to engage her by making training more interesting and fun. By using a tug-of-war toy, I could train Nina into having quick reflexes and the ability to act when in a different situation. 

When Nina first came around, she was always pooping and peeing all over the place, but over time, I have taught Nina how to do her business outside whenever we go on a walk. Nina learned this skill through love and patience, and I thought these two skills were really important in Nina's training. 

Also, I think Nina learns through trust. Trust is the main connection needed between Nina and me because Nina needs to trust me so that we could do proper training. After we spent more time together, Nina is more considerate and can learn things faster and more accurately.