In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie interview Peggy Gibbon, a retired Instructor and Director for The Seeing Eye Guide Dog School in Morristown, NJ. Peggy shares her journey of working with dogs for over 42 years, discussing the importance of puppy raisers, the training process for guide dogs, and the impact these dogs have on the lives of their handlers. She emphasizes the significance of genetics in breeding, the selection process for matching dogs with handlers, and the need for clarity in training. They discuss the incredible training behind these dogs and their ability to quickly generalize what they learn. The conversation highlights the passion and dedication of everyone involved in the guide dog program, showcasing how these dogs truly change lives.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Peggy Gibbon

02:42 Peggy's Journey to the Seeing Eye

05:10 Training Guide Dogs: Then and Now

08:21 The Role of Puppy Raisers

12:15 Community Support in Puppy Raising

21:18 Peggy's Career Progression at the Seeing Eye

26:38 The Structured Training Program

30:19 Motivation and Bonding with Dogs

35:45 Tailoring Training to Individual Needs

39:35 The Matching Process: Dog and Handler

46:17 The Breeding Program's Role in Success

01:03:13 Understanding Car Sickness in Puppies

01:04:33 The Importance of Saying 'No' in Training

01:07:09 Building Confidence Through Clarity

01:09:52 The Teamwork Between Dog and Handler

01:11:50 Genetics vs. Training: What Makes a Great Guide Dog?

01:17:59 Transferring Training Techniques Across Disciplines

01:21:09 The Impact of Guide Dogs on Lives

01:29:00 The Passion Behind the Seeing Eye Organization

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