'Pick of the Litter' Episode 3: Adorable canine candidates kick off their demanding training regimen
Episode 3 of the weekly Disney+ show, 'Pick of the Litter' premiered on Friday, Jan 3. In this episode, we continue to follow the six dogs that we met in the pilot episode. Previously, the dogs had to prove that they were suitable candidates for the program by passing the preliminary evaluation tests. In Episode 2, the dogs that did manage to qualify had to leave the families that raised them and embark on a 12-week training program with the Guide Dog School.
Their ultimate goal is to become a suitable companion for a visually-impaired person someday, but the road to successfully graduating from the school isn't an easy one by any stretch. Here are the biggest takeaways from Episode 3, called 'Training Begins'.
The Guide Dog program isn't easy
Even if the dogs passed the medical test that determines how robust of a physical specimen they (and their children) will be, they still have to prove that they will be worthy candidates to land a spot in the coveted 8-phase training program. And the 12 weeks of formal training that the dogs are subjected to is an extremely demanding, exacting process that also includes a blindfolded trainer test after the first three weeks! Even the slightest error or a stray lapse in judgment and focus on the dog's part could undo a year's worth of training. These dogs will eventually have to be responsible for their blind owner's safety, so the school cannot afford to pass a guide dog that doesn't meet their exacting criteria. Luckily, the dogs will be working with some incredibly patient and passionate trainers who will be helping them achieve their objectives at every step of the way - even if it sometimes feels like teaching an alien how to tie their shoelaces without using any words!
Keep calm and carry on
The dogs need to be able to function calmly and independently so that they can provide the best possible service to their eventual owners. They should be able to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion while also watching out for their owner's safety. Things like being too playful, fearful or distracted are big no-nos in the guide dog handbook. The ideal guide dog is a mature, obedient canine who can confidently lead their visually-impaired owner across a noisy, crowded street (walking forward or backward) without breaking their focus, pace or poise. They also need to stay alert at all times on their daily commute, so a clear, reliable head is essential in order to be a great guide dog.
School of second chances
Only 70% of the dogs that are accepted in the guide dog school program eventually graduate. The ones that don't become guide dogs are usually given a second chance to prove their worth, however, before an actual "career change" is deemed necessary. If they aren't chosen for the training program, they are usually selected for breeding purposes, provided their genetic traits and behavioral patterns are sound. But even the dogs that didn't pass their evaluation tests due to disobedience or being too distracted are usually given the benefit of the doubt by the school. This sometimes involves giving them more time to progress if they are already part of the training program, or giving them to another family of dog raisers in order to give them a fresh start, and consequently a second chance at making the grade.
Let's see what unfolds next Friday in Episode 4! 'Pick of the Litter' is a weekly show that can be viewed exclusively on Disney+.