They must be from one to two years old, in good condition and willing to accept responsibility. German Shepherds, Labrador and Golden Retrievers are commonly trained as Leaders. When not training on the streets of Rochester or other nearby communities, the student and his Leader Dog can practice on the training course in the orchard. This training course was constructed to augment the student's experiences in town by offering a controlled area in which the instructor could submit student and Leader Dog to further active testing. The instructor reinforces lessons to student and dog alike, and builds on each subsequent session to prepare the student and Leader Dog for their final street encounters.
Students live under the supervision of competent instructors during a four week training period.
Training is perceived as an emotional and physical re-education to a new way of effective living. There is no charge for a Leader Dog or any part of the four week training program. The Leader Dog Story 2. Obtaining a dog 3. Raise a puppy 4.