Woman takes guide dog program in new direction
Home training may
be the way of the
future for the blind
JEFF HUNTLEY Linda Newton and her guide dog, Daisy, go for a leisurely stroll outside their Jamesburg home. Newton is one of the first students of the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind’s school in Smithtown, N.Y., to take on home training, a fairly new concept that is fast gaining in popularity.
JAMESBURG — Linda Newton has done what few other blind people have done: home-train her guide dog, Daisy, a golden retriever/labrador mix.
Daisy, 18 months, is Newton’s third dog from the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Smithtown, N.Y. She has been training sight companions there since 1976.
Traditionally, the foundation’s program requires students to stay at the eight-acre campus in Smithtown for a 25-day training session. Classes are kept small to ensure personalized attention for each student-dog team.
Over the course of the month, the students and their dogs bond and learn how to work together as a team.
They are taught how to navigate all types of situations, from escalators and revolving doors to subway platforms and airport terminals. Students also learn about the proper care of their dogs, from grooming to exercising, as well as the access laws that protect their dogs’ rights to be allowed in all public places.
"I lived near the Guide Dog Foundation, and that is how we got together. Kim was my first dog, a golden retriever," said Newton.
Newton worked with Kim for almost 12 years before the dog was struck with cancer of the paw. Because of their unique situation, the vet decided to treat Kim with a bandage and antibiotics so she could continue to live out the remainder of her life.
"She worked with me for seven months after that, which was considered a true miracle," recalls Newton. "She never wanted to stop. She enjoyed life too much and was extremely dedicated to me."
Newton’s second dog, Esther, also a golden retriever/labrador mix, worked with her for nearly 14 years before retiring happily with her "training family" in Long Island, N.Y.
Each training family must be willing to take care of a puppy at home for the first year and teach basic functions. At the end of the year, the family is asked to submit a report to the foundation with a character analysis of the dog. Recommendations for matching students with guide dogs are then assessed upon that.
"I trained with both Kim and Esther in New York," said Newton. "But circumstances changed for my family last year that made me want to pursue home training [for my new dog]."
Newton and her husband, Greg, lost their son James recently when he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle.
"It was very difficult for us, especially my youngest sons, Seth and Ben, because they were really close," she said. "I just didn’t want to leave them behind for a month."
The Newtons also have two older sons, Kelly and Michael.
"The home training concept is extremely new, but something I really felt passionate about pursuing," said Newton. "There is one school in Connecticut that has an established home training program, which they’ve been exercising for 12 years. Other than that, there are not many more than use this method. I think, however, that they might change."
Because Newton had trained two dogs prior to receiving Daisy, the Guide Dog Foundation approved her request for home training. A representative from the school brought Daisy to the Newtons’ home for 10 days, where they worked together from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"Daisy is extremely sharp and never put me in any sort of danger," said Newton. "We progressed extremely fast, learning how to approach escalators by the third day and the New York City subway by day seven.
"There was an instant bond between us," she added. "I can already tell that Daisy will be extremely loyal and brave."
Newton is also impressed by Daisy’s restraint, considering she is still a puppy and there are young children in the house.
"Sure, she will occasionally pick up one of my sons’ toys, but I only have to correct her once," she said. "After all, you can never take the dog out of the dog."
Home training of dogs can be a wonderful alternative for someone who cannot afford to be completely absent from a daily routine.
At the same time, it requires the trainer to be stricter, resisting any temptation to play with the dog or stray from the program in any way.
"I like to move at my own pace and found that Daisy and I worked well ahead of the norm," said Newton.
Another advantage to home training is that the dog becomes familiar with the owner’s unique routine, such as the streets crossed every day or the grocery store .
"Daisy and I practiced everything from crossing the more dangerous intersections to walking around the park to shopping at the mall," she said. "The dog has to learn its place to stand, sit, lie, walk and so on so to always be in the safest position possible for the both of you.
"Dogs are really very smart and are capable of learning so much more than people try to teach them," Newton added. "For example, when Daisy and I approach an elevator, she will direct me to the buttons rather than the doors. After all, there is nothing worse than a blind person trying to search for buttons."
It’s been about a week now since Daisy’s trainer from the Guide Dog Foundation left, and things are going great for them.
"The children respect when Daisy and I are working and know enough to not distract her. Daisy, in turn, is getting really great at remaining focused," Newton said.
"Guide dogs are so much better than a cane. A cane can’t see for you and keep you out of harm’s way while at the same time becoming part of the family," she added.
"I recommend the guide dog program to any blind person looking to maximize his or her independence. There is nothing like it," she said.
In order to become eligible for a guide dog, one must have a physical, fill out a questionnaire and supply character recommendations. Each applicant is then placed on a list according to need.
Much like the process of adopting a child, the foundation will try to match the dog’s characteristics with the applicant’s.
To learn more about the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind or to become a volunteer, visit the Web site at www.guidedog.org or call 1-800-548-4337.

