Final answer:
Service dogs undergo a rigorous training program that starts with a foster family and progresses to specialized training at the Seeing Eye campus. Success in an intense final exam determines pairing with a blind or visually impaired individual, followed by collaborative training to ensure compatibility and continued support.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of training a service dog, especially for aiding a blind or visually impaired person, is extensive and methodical. Beginning as a puppy, a prospective service dog lives with a foster family to learn basic behavior and socialization skills. Between 13 and 19 months of age, the dog undergoes four months of intensive training at the Seeing Eye campus, working with an instructor. The culmination of this training is a final exam, which includes leading the instructor on a trip to New York City to demonstrate its readiness. Approximately 75 percent of the dogs succeed and are then paired with a person who is blind or visually impaired.
Post-pairing, the new owner engages in a further 25 days of training on campus with the dog and instructor to establish a working bond. Training continues even after this period, as the owner consistently reinforces the dog's behavior through praise and correction. The Seeing Eye staff offers ongoing support, including telephone consultations and home visits when necessary, to ensure the successful integration of the service dog into the owner's life.