導盲犬訓練
Guide Dog Training

在大約14-18個月大的時候，我們幼犬的體格已經完全成熟，同時，幼犬已經達到成熟水平，這正是開始正式訓練的理想時間。

我們採用食物 、讚許作為正面鼓勵的方法去訓練狗隻。獎勵 (包括身體和語言情感的表達)能夠幫助加強幼犬的推動力和自信, 讓幼犬更樂於擔任導盲犬工作。正面鼓勵的方法能夠增加訓練成功的機率和避免幼犬犯錯的機會。但在更高級的訓練中，幼犬是容許錯誤。訓練員使用口頭提示和領子提示來獲得所需的行為反應，然後對幼犬加以獎勵。
 
除了學習如何在幫助使用者引路時安全避開障礙物之外，導盲犬還要學習「智慧不服從指令」。當導盲犬收到有潛在危險的指令時，導盲犬會被教導不服從該指令。（例如：遇到有車輛駛過馬路時，導盲犬不會踏前馬路）同時，導盲犬會被訓練養成「無可挑剔」的行為。（當狗隻去到一些公眾場所時，例如：酒樓、雜貨店和公共交通工具），狗隻能夠免受任何干擾（例如：貓隻）。同時，所有導盲犬都擁有樂意和熱誠工作的態度。這個是他們選擇的職業。

導盲犬要學習的技能包括：
1. 引領使用者直線從A點到B點
2. 遇到路面有起伏時，例如：路邊、樓梯級，停下來
3. 遇到高空有障礙物時，例如：樹枝，停下來
4. 避開路面障礙物

以下兩種事情，導盲犬是辦不到的：
1. 確認路線到指定目的地。
2. 分辨交通燈號。

At about 14 months of age, our dogs will be physically mature and have developed a level of maturity, and would be an ideal time to start formal training.

Our guide dogs are trained with positive reinforcement methods that use high value rewards of both food and praise. Rewards, including physical and verbal affection, build motivation, confidence, and produce happy working guide dogs. Positive reinforcement methods strive to make young dogs successful and prevent them from making errors. In more advanced training, dogs are given the freedom to make errors.

Instructors use verbal cues and collar cues to gain the desired response, and is followed by rewards. Other than learning how to lead a person safely around obstacles, guide dogs are also trained for “intelligence disobedience”. If they are given an unsafe command, they are taught to not obey it (for example: refusing to step out into the street when there is oncoming traffic). Guide dogs are also trained to have impeccable manners (for all those times they must visit places of public accommodation, such as restaurants, grocery stores and public transportation), and are capable of avoiding distractions (such as cats!). In addition, all guide dogs possess an eagerness to please people and a willingness to work. They choose their own profession.

Some of the skills guide dogs will learn include:
1. Leading a person in a straight line from point A to point B
2. Stopping for all changes in elevation, including curbs and stairs
3. Stopping for overhead obstacles, such as tree limbs
4. Avoiding obstacles in their path
 

Two things guide dogs couldn’t do:
1. Determine the route to a new destination ​
2. Read traffic signals

與視障人士配對
Matching with User

當一隻導盲犬成功完成其個別訓練時，牠便會與一位導盲犬訓練計劃成功申請人士作出配對。這配對程序是要保證個別犬隻的素質，能符合每一申請人士的要求；準確的配對可確保成功的訓練，並最終成為一個既長遠又成功的導盲犬團隊。

申請者必需履行其中部分的責任，方可得到一隻導盲犬，他要完成一項維期三至四星期的全面訓練。在香港，大部分的小組訓練會在服務對象家中進行。

When a dog has successfully completed its guide dog training, it will be matched with a visually impaired applicant who has been accepted into the guide dog training program. The matching process is designed to ensure that the qualities of the individual dogs are matched to the requirements of each applicant. Accurate matching will help ensure a successful training program and ultimately a long term successful guide dog team.

Part of the commitment required to obtain a guide dog is to complete a comprehensive training program which will last between 3 – 4 weeks. In Hong Kong, most of our class training will be held at the client’s home.

小組訓練包括利用一連串的指令、動作及身體姿勢作出指示，練習與導盲犬溝通及互相配合。訓練時所使用的路線可以從寧靜到非常繁忙的環境，包括公共交通、電梯和自動扶梯。在一般情況下，每天完成兩條街道路線訓練，然後加上服從和社交訓練之環節。此外，在訓練期間，我們亦會教導服務對象日常如何照顧其犬隻及有關犬隻的動物福利。

我們要求服務對象參與一段時間的訓練，期間需要暫停日常工作和家務。這訓練是頗繁重，能否與其導盲犬建立良好關系，取決於他們相處時間的長短。雖然家庭成員或家中其他住客都會接觸其導盲犬，但導盲犬使用者一定要是犬隻的主要照顧者及唯一一位可以控制繫上繩束的導盲犬。

當小組訓練完成，並達到安全和合資格的標準時，導盲犬小組便可畢業。在畢業的程序中，本學苑會要求服務對象簽署一份正式同意書，確保他們會遵守在小組訓練中所提供的訓練指引。

Class training will include instruction and practice in communicating and working with a guide dog using a series of commands, gestures and body positions. Routes used during training will vary from quiet to very busy conditions and include public transport, lifts and escalators. Typically, two street routes will be completed per day complemented by obedience and social training sessions.

In addition, during the training period, clients will be instructed in daily care and welfare of their dog.

We request that clients be available for the training period and free from their usual work and home routine. The training can be stressful and the development of a positive bond with the dog is dependent on time spent together. Although family members or other residents in the home will interact with the guide dog, the guide dog user must remain the primary caregiver and be the only one to work with the dog in harness.

On completion of the class training, and reaching a safe and competent standard, the guide dog team will graduate.

The Academy will require, as part of the graduation process, that clients sign a formal agreement confirming they will follow the training guidelines presented during the class training.

畢業後服務
Aftercare services

香港導盲犬學苑為剛畢業的導盲犬小組提供終身支援服務，此服務包括：

可透過電話或電郵聯絡香港導盲犬學苑導師，查詢關於與其導盲犬配合或生活上的問題。

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一個包括一年探訪畢業者一次的跟進計劃，我們會觀察其家居或工作環境，並且對小組的配合提供適切的意見。這跟進計劃之目的是確保每一導盲犬小組都能安全地運作，並達到導盲犬使用者的要求。

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與導盲犬小組一起處理有關彼此配合的問題的緊急直接跟進探訪。

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香港導盲犬學苑為每一小組提供每年港幣$4,500資助，作為其導盲犬之獸醫護理。

Hong Kong Guide Dogs Academy offers a lifetime support program to all graduated guide dog teams.

The program consists of:
Telephonic or e-mail follow ups by the Academy Instructors where users can ask questions or advice on working and living with their guide dogs.

A follow-up program consisting of annual visits to the graduate’s home or place of work to observe and advise as necessary on the guide dog team’s work. The objective of this follow-up program is to ensure that every guide dog team is working safely and achieving the requirements of the guide dog user.

Emergency and direct follow-up visits to guide dog teams on any concerning elements to the work of the team.

The Academy offers an annual veterinary stipend of HK$4,500.00 to each graduate to assist users with veterinary care of their guide dogs.

 

導盲犬領養
Guide Dogs Adoption

現在時學苑有以下兩種類型的狗隻有極少數公眾領養：
1. 性格喜好不合適
2. 能夠給予狗隻愛與關懷的公眾人士領養。

導盲犬退休
當狗隻不能應付導盲犬的工作時，就需要退休。雖然沒有明文規定退休年齡，但導盲犬大概到了十歲的時候，便會退休。退休的原因都跟年齡引伸的問題有關，當中包括：缺乏精力或步伐緩慢。

無論是什麼原因導致退休，導盲犬辛勞了一輩子，值得擁有一個長久快樂的退休生活，所以，我們會先考慮把導盲犬留在使用者身邊讓牠們度過晚年。這個對於導盲犬和使用者是最合適的安排。

但當使用者不能照顧退休的導盲犬時，我們會將導盲犬交給最初照顧牠們的寄養家庭。如果以上兩個方案都不行，我們會將導盲犬交給能夠給予狗隻愛與關懷的公眾人士領養。

如你希望了解更多本學苑的領養計劃，請電郵至 academy@guidedogs.org.hk 查詢。

Currently, two types of dogs are open for adoption:​
1. Relieved from the  program​；
2. Placement in an adoptive family that can provide the dog with all the love and care it needs and deserves.

Retired Guide dog​
Guide Dogs are retired when the demands of guide work become too difficult for the dog to maintain. Although there is no stipulated retirement age, typically, guide dogs will retire at the age of 10 years or so. Reasons for retirement typically include age-related issues such as lack of stamina or walking pace.​

For whatever reason, a guide dog deserves a long and happy retirement for the service it has performed during its working life. The first option for a permanent home is with the dog’s guide dog user. Retiring in the same home is often the most positive option for both the dog and the user.​

If the guide dog user cannot keep the retired dog, then it will be offered to
the original puppy raiser family. Failing either of these two options, the dog will be re-homed with a loving and caring family.

If you are interested to learn more about our adoption program, please send an email to academy@guidedogs.org.hk.

 

How can we help to accelerate guide dog services?
(a) Be a volunteer – be a foster family (long-term or short-term), participate in guide dog events, give a hand in office work and many others. Please visit our website for details.   

(b) Sponsor medical expenses, dog food, accessories and equipment for dogs. Finance guide dog puppies or make donations to name guide dog puppies. In summary, give financial assistance or manpower support to our events.