Guide dog puppy walkers play a crucial role in training these amazing animals, including teaching them toilet habits. A key aspect of this training involves teaching the puppy to urinate on the command “BUSY” and defecate on “BUSY BUSY” or “BIG BUSY.” This training typically begins around 8 weeks of age, with reliable control usually achieved by 14 weeks.
The foundation of this training rests on positive reinforcement. Puppies learn to associate the commands with a specific area in the garden, ideally a fenced-off space. The process involves enthusiastic praise and cuddles each time the puppy successfully eliminates on command.
The excitement generated by the puppy walker helps the puppy understand that they’ve done something desirable, motivating them to repeat the behavior. Consistency is key, and this process is repeated multiple times daily. Over time, the puppy learns to associate the command with eliminating, resulting in a positive experience involving praise and affection.
When out in public for extended periods, the training extends to responding to the command followed by immediate positive reinforcement. The more dedication and effort invested by the puppy walker initially, the faster the puppy learns, and the fewer accidents occur indoors. Puppies exhibit signals indicating their need to eliminate, or their routine becomes predictable, allowing handlers to anticipate their needs and guide them to appropriate locations.
Consider the example of a five-year-old ex-guide dog puppy. This dog, now a pet, understands that park, beach, or woodland visits follow a successful “BUSY” or “BIG BUSY” in their designated area. Consequently, they never defecate during walks, having already eliminated at home. Even on longer outings, the dog signals their need to eliminate and waits for the command before doing so in a suitable and safe place.
This training mirrors Pavlov’s famous experiments with dogs. By establishing a clear routine and associating specific commands with positive reinforcement, guide dogs learn to control their bodily functions and eliminate on cue.
The Guide Dog Owner’s Responsibility
Given this rigorous training, a guide dog owner would ideally ensure their dog eliminates at home before venturing out. However, if this isn’t feasible, a well-trained guide dog won’t simply eliminate on the footpath. Instead, the dog will wait for the command, enabling the owner to maintain control and be prepared with a poo bag.
Therefore, the responsibility for picking up guide dog poo ultimately lies with the guide dog owner. They are equipped with the knowledge of their dog’s routine and the tools (poo bags) to ensure public spaces remain clean. The initial training provided by puppy walkers instills in the dogs a level of control that allows the owner to manage their dog’s needs responsibly. This proactive approach ensures both the dog’s well-being and community hygiene.
