Guide dogs are incredible animals, providing independence and companionship to their handlers. A key part of their training involves learning specific commands for toileting. This ensures they can relieve themselves reliably and hygienically, making life easier for both the dog and their owner. So, how exactly do guide dogs go to the toilet?
The process starts early, typically around 8 weeks of age, and continues until the puppy is around 14 weeks old. The core principle is teaching the dog to associate specific commands with the act of urinating and defecating. The commands often used are “BUSY” for urination and “BUSY BUSY” or “BIG BUSY” for defecation.
Training begins at home in a designated “spending area,” usually a fenced-off part of the garden. The puppy learns to relieve itself on command in this area before leaving the house, and to hold it until returning home.
The key to success is positive reinforcement. Whenever the puppy squats to urinate or defecate in the spending area, the handler immediately says the command (“BUSY” or “BIG BUSY”). Crucially, as the dog is relieving itself, the command is given. Immediately after, the handler expresses extreme excitement and praise. This enthusiastic reaction makes the puppy realize they have done something terrific, motivating them to repeat the behavior the next time.
This process is repeated multiple times throughout the day. The puppy learns to associate the command with the action and the subsequent reward of cuddles, praise, and an excited handler.
When the guide dog is out and about for extended periods, the same principle applies. If the dog needs to relieve itself, the handler will give the command (“BUSY” or “BIG BUSY”) followed by the same enthusiastic praise and reward. This ensures the dog goes when and where instructed.
The more time and energy the puppy walker invests in this training early on, the quicker the dog learns. This also results in cleaner and drier puppies indoors, with fewer accidents.
Puppies often give signals when they need to go to the toilet. Experienced handlers learn to recognize these cues or anticipate the dog’s needs based on its routine. The dog then waits until it’s in a safe and suitable location before relieving itself.
An important aspect is predictability. By establishing a routine, guide dogs learn to anticipate their toilet breaks.
For example, a 5-year-old ex-guide dog (who was returned and became a pet) knows it gets to go to the park, beach, or woods after doing its “BUSY” and “BIG BUSY” in the spending pen. Consequently, it never defecates on walks because it has already done so at home beforehand.
Even when out for extended periods, the dog wouldn’t simply go anywhere. It would signal its need, and the handler would find a safe, suitable place before giving the “BIG BUSY” command.
The training method is akin to Pavlov’s classical conditioning. The dog learns to associate the command with the act of relieving itself and the subsequent positive reinforcement.
A responsible guide dog owner understands their dog’s routine and encourages it to relieve itself at home before going out. If that’s not possible, the dog won’t just go on the sidewalk. It will wait for the command, so the guide dog owner remains in control and is prepared with a poo bag. This ensures responsible pet ownership and maintains hygiene in public spaces.
In conclusion, guide dogs are meticulously trained to relieve themselves on command, ensuring a hygienic and manageable experience for both the dog and its handler. The early training, combined with consistent positive reinforcement, establishes a reliable and predictable routine that allows these incredible animals to navigate the world with confidence and dignity. The investment in time and effort pays off in a well-behaved and reliable companion.
