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Kragnes Korner

Reward & Correction

The teaching methods The Seeing Eye uses to educate a dog to act as a guide are based on a system of reward and correction. If one imagines a scale with correction on one side and praise on the other, then the scale must always be tipped toward the positive.

Reward & Praise

When the dog accurately carries out a command, it receives verbal praise followed — on appropriate occasions — by an affectionate pat or caress. This is the dog's "pay" for work well done and is a constant reminder of the human partner's continuing appreciation and affection. Without this well timed expression of appreciation, the dog will not guide effectively. This is the key to the Seeing Eye's instructional technique.

Correction & Reprimand

However, discipline by correction or reprimand is sometimes necessary. The role of the handler is to use reprimand judiciously in combination with praise. The goal is to develop a dog who no longer requires any correction. This is a long term idealistic goal, but not an unrealistic one.

The Role of the Dog Handler

The dog handler must wear many hats. One is that of the teacher in a continuing education course. Another is that of "instinct cop." The two roles are quite different.

The Teacher

When a dog makes a mistake while working, it should be shown the error of its ways and given the opportunity to learn from its mistake. There should be four steps in the education process: correction, demonstration, repetition, and the all important praise.

1. Correction: When a dog makes a mistake, such as bumping the handler into a pole or not stopping for a curb, the handler must step into the role of teacher by giving either a verbal or leash correction, — appropriate to the mistake and the dog. The correction is sufficient if the dog does not repeat the error.


2. Demonstration: The dog must be shown where it made its mistake. In the case of bumping the handler into a pole, the handler should slap the pole and say "pfui," because the pole is to be avoided. If the dog fails to stop for a curb, the handler should have the dog sit facing the curb, tap the curb with his or her foot and praise the dog . Unlike a pole or other obstacle, the curb is not to be avoided!


3. Repetition: Take a few steps back — about two dog lengths. Have the dog re-work the approach. If the dog succeeds ....


4. Praise lavishly!

The Instinct Cop.

At times, some dogs will — like humans — allow themselves to be temporarily distracted by things that are of particular interest to them. This is undesirable from the standpoint of good guide work and requires the handler to assume the role of the "instinct cop." This is a fundamentally different role from that of teacher, as instincts are strong natural tendencies in the dog which must be suppressed and controlled but cannot be eliminated.

During training, the dogs are taught to ignore these distractions. However, dogs at large, stray cats and teasing squirrels arouse the dog's interest and instincts of play or self-defense. The handler, in the role of "instinct cop," must be alert to recognize any tendency to distraction and curb it immediately.

Seeing Eye graduates do this by using the verbal reprimand "pfui," or some other appropriate term which conveys — by tone of voice — that he or she is displeased with such actions. If the distraction is unusually interesting, it may be necessary to accompany the verbal reprimand with a more effective means of regaining the dog's attention. In such cases, the handler can regain the dog's attention and focus by following the verbal reprimand with an appropriate jerk on the leash. The strength of the leash correction depends upon the nature of the distraction, the handler's arm strength and the sensitivity of the dog. In the presence of an aggressive or threatening dog, the handler may need to use several corrections in order to get the dog's attention and have it respond to commands — despite its natural instincts of fear or self- defense. Getting away from the aggressor is the best defense! Once this has been accomplished, the dog should be given lots of reassuring praise.

Corrections and Public Perceptions

Properly administered corrections are in no way harmful to the dog — except, perhaps, to its pride. Corrections should be unobtrusive and almost unnoticeable to others. However, new dog handlers may administer the corrections awkwardly. This may give the general public the impression that the dog is being subjected to unmerited harshness or pain is being inflicted. this impression may be accentuated if the reproof is accompanied by an unduely loud verbal reprimand or excessive arm and body motion.

• An overly loud voice will attract the attention of passers-by.


• Arm motion may be construed as beating.


• Body and leg motion may be construed as kicking.

To avoid these false impressions, the handler should take care that corrections are administered properly and without malice. The public will then accept corrections for what they are — a word of reproof and a reminder to the dog that it must cease the particular action in which it is engaged if it wishes to earn the handler's praise.

Public Interference

public interference can also cause the dog to become distracted and thus merit a rebuke. Even if distracted by kindly-intentioned people, the dog must receive reproof which would have been unnecessary if the bystanders had not interfered. Such situations arise, not because people wish to disturb the harmony between the handler and the dog, but because they do not fully understand the work of the dog guide.

The dog guide handler should realize that the interest of these people is sincere and it is their genuine interest which evokes the questions that are often put to the handler. Dog guide handlers must realize that pet dogs are an important factor in the life of the American people. Therefore, people often become incensed if they see a correction given which appears — to them — unduly harsh. If dog guide handlers recognize these facts and give a courteous explanation to those who approach them on the subject, it will lead to a proper understanding of dog guide work on the part of the general public. Once people understand that it takes time and patience to perfect the coordination between dog and partner and that interference on their part can result in serious accident by distracting the dog, the problem of public interference will gradually disappear. When that happens, dog guide handlers will achieve the fullest measure of independence and happiness which a dog guide can bring. And, the dog guide will derive the greatest joy from its work. Dog guide handlers should extend the same understanding to the general public as they must give to their dog; then, they too will be understood.