A guide dog can be an invaluable companion to a blind person, increasing his or her self-confidence and independence. But before a guide dog can perform this important service, it must first undergo rigorous training.
Guide dogs are typically Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers—breeds known for their good nature, intellect, compliance, and hardiness. While they are still young, puppies of these breeds are assessed for their potential to become guide dogs. Some traits that trainers look for in puppies include a high intelligence, memorization skills, and a readiness to be taught. A dog with an uneven temperament or unpredictable personality will not be selected for training as a guide dog.
After a puppy has been selected to become a guide dog, it will go to live with a trainer where it will stay for about a year. There it will learn to walk in a straight line, and to stop at curbs and other obstacles. It will learn to obey its owner's commands, but also to refuse to obey when it knows that this is best. It will learn to wait for its owner's permission to relieve itself. It will learn to obey its owner's commands even when confronted by bad weather, loud noises like sirens, and temptations like cats or delicious steaks. Positive behavior is rewarded with affection and praise. Negative behavior is discouraged using body language, a stern voice, and by withholding praise. After a dog is full-grown, its trainer brings it to the school for final assessment by qualified trainers.
If a trainer's dog does not pass this assessment, oftentimes it will remain with the trainer's family as a pet. If the dog passes this assessment, however, there is an inevitable sad parting, as the bond that has grown between trainer and dog is severed. This unfortunate aspect of the training process is understood to be part of the job by guide dog trainers.
The author's main purpose in writing this passage is to
A
explain how having a guide dog may increase a blind person's self-confidence and independence
B
describe the basic challenges faced by potential guide dog trainers
C
provide an overview of how guide dogs are prepared for their work
D
increase public appreciation for guide dog trainers