Guide Dogs On the benches of the school

Labrador, Golden Retriever, but Shepherds (Belgian, German, Australian and Swiss), or Border Collie Bouvier des Flandres. These dogs serve humans can balance the development and integration into working life of visually impaired people. Created in 1994, the association “Four A” (NB: Friendship, Assistance, Referral, Autonomy) form in the middle school guide dogs for the blind. In this family-bound by the love of four-legged friends-officiate Marie-Lise Muller, Director-Trainer of Four A graduate of the FNECGA *, Sandrine Huvelle and William Romaneix, educators dogs.

From kindergarten to the blind

After their move to “kindergarten” in a host family where they learn including cleanliness, respect for the environment or the first notions of obedience, the dogs are schooled in the center Sermentizon soon 1 year. “The young dogs return after training and testing, when we are confident they have the skills to education,” says Marie-Lise Muller. Then, our role is to reinforce their learning. Subsequently, and until their two years they learn to observe the urban or rural environment, to analyze and prevent. ”
Directional instructions, search for crosswalks, logic and avoiding obstacles, Case sidewalks … are all concepts taught to the four-legged friends and apply to conduct their masters safely. Without darken hothead! “The dog must remain independent in its power of reflection and action,” says Marie-Lise. He must know how to refuse an order when it is inconsistent and there is a danger to his master. ”
After analyzing the applicant’s record, a record psycho, courses total immersion with the animal, the theoretical and technical guide dog is given free to the visually impaired. Learning ends when the animal is mature and independent. “The dog was chosen because of its future by master educator: size, character, etc.. Says Marie-Lise. That was followed by regular visits of our teams at the earth eteranl home of Retarded.” The canine becomes a real support in his movement but remains primarily a pet creator of social ties.