When training to become a seeing-eye dog, a dog must learn a lot of skills. The most important of these is to perform their job in public without distraction. One group of 28 puppies visited Times Square recently. Their goal was to learn how to resist the distractions that such a busy area can offer.

It was all part of a socialization experience

The trip was part of a socialization experience designed to expose them, to the blinking lights, decorations, and noise of the holiday season in the heart of Manhattan. As a part of the experience, the puppies were brought to the Bubba Gump restaurant in Times Square.

“This is my first time seeing this,” whispered Bubba Gump server, Lindsey Wayne, as the puppies passed in their vests and bandanas. “It’s so cute I might cry.”

The goal of all of the dogs is to pass their certification test

All the trainers hope that the dogs will pass their certification test as given by The Seeing Eye, a world-famous school located in New Jersey. The visit to the restaurant was just part of their obedience training. As the dogs entered, they took their place next to the feet of their respective trainers, doing their best to remain professional despite all of the distractions.

“Training the puppies how to behave in indoor settings like restaurants, retail spaces, or business offices is crucial,” said Sioban Leahy, who fosters and trains 9-month-old German Shepherd Deacon.

Seeing-eye dogs impact the lives of their owners every day

Leahy hopes that Deacon will pass his test. She has firsthand knowledge of the impact that seeing eye dogs can have on the lives of the people they serve. Leahy’s daughter and son-in-law use seeing-eye dogs daily.

The final test is tough

Fewer than 18 of the 28 potential candidates are expected to graduate from the program, according to Peggy Gibbon, director of canine development for The Seeing Eye organization. The final test is demanding and is where many of the candidates for seeing-eye dogs falter and fail out of the program.

Not all of the dogs will pass the test and become seeing-eye dogs

Volunteer trainer Linda Bocchino has the distinction of having dogs both pass and fail the program. The one who passed did so with flying colors. The other barely missed passing the final test and now serves as a therapy dog at Drew University. She has a current recruit that was a part of the 28 making the trip to Manhattan, a 10-month-0ld golden retriever named Vee.

High hopes for this particular litter

Robert Lax is a 20-year volunteer with The Seeing Eye program, and is very optimistic about this particular group of recruits, “New York City is the ultimate test,” Lax said. “If your dog can do well in New York City, they can do well anywhere.”

Here is a video with more on the training program of The Seeing Eye.

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Source: The Seeing Eye

H/T: New York Daily News