Forward guide work

About this task

Dog guides the handler forward safely, avoiding obstacles and stopping at changes in elevation.

How it helps: Allows blind or low vision handlers to travel safely in any environment.

Required foundation skills

Solid heel. Obstacle avoidance. Intelligent disobedience basics.

Training steps

1. Note: Guide dog work is extremely complex and should be trained by or with a professional guide dog trainer
2. Teach dog to walk in a harness attached to a rigid handle
3. Teach dog to stop at curbs, steps, and elevation changes
4. Teach dog to navigate around obstacles at handler's shoulder width
5. Teach dog to find specific targets: doors, chairs, curb cuts
6. Teach intelligent disobedience — refuse handler commands that would cause harm
7. Proof extensively in all environments

Proofing criteria

Once your dog reliably performs this task at home, proof it in these environments and situations:

1. Stops at all curbs consistently
2. Stops at all steps consistently
3. Navigates around obstacles without handler contact
4. Finds specific targets on cue
5. Maintains consistent pace
6. Works in heavy traffic
7. Works in crowded pedestrian areas
8. Demonstrates intelligent disobedience when appropriate
9. Works all environments reliably