Phase. . .WHAT?!?!?!

I was very surprised when I opened up the phase report this morning. I checked it about 12 times before I believed what it said. But, Fullerton is in phase 6!! Who needs phase 4 and 5 anyway? :D I can't even describe how happy I am. . . and relieved, I was starting to get REALLY nervous and worried. I am still worried because he still has 4 phases to do but I am so much less worried than before. He is over half way there now, I am so proud of my boy. Keep it up Fullerton!! Here is what he has been up to on campus the last couple weeks:

Phase #4

• Progression of guide work training: more difficult sidewalks in busier sections of downtown areas
• Training on more complex street crossings and curbs
• Obstacle clearance initiated by the dogs; they begin to guide their mobility instructors through the campus obstacle course
• Preliminary obedience testing and evaluation of the dogs' reactions to head collars

Phase #5

• Preliminary guide work testing with the mobility instructor under blindfold
• Complete veterinary history review
• More challenging guide work training environments (pedestrian traffic, stairs, different flooring surfaces, etc.)

Phase #6

• Guide work routes in difficult and challenging work environments (heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic areas, wide crossings, hectic atmospheres, etc.)
• Introduction to sidewalkless areas and rounded curbs
• Continued work in malls, stores and buildings, with increasing exposure to varying sights, sounds and smells
• Lessons in advanced guide work skills, such as moving turns
• Introduction to "intelligent disobedience" (dogs learn to refuse to obey a command if it is unsafe to execute)
• Advanced obedience training