By: Rob Cramer, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, CNIB Guide Dogs
It was an exciting day in the evolving history of CNIB Guide Dogs. October 25th marked the commencement of the first group training class for guide dog handlers since November 2019. It was also the first class based in downtown Toronto for CNIB Guide Dogs.
The class concept was designed to meet a desire from a subsection of guide dog handlers for a more intensive training experience with more frequent opportunities to practice their skills in urban environments. This program was not only a first for CNIB, but a rarity in the guide dog industry as well. Three guide dog teams were officially qualified at the conclusion of the program, which was based at the Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, located right next door to the old Maple Leaf Gardens and a few blocks from the expansive Eaton Centre shopping mall. 
The location provided an abundance of training opportunities and environments for the new guide dog teams to work through. Public transport including streetcars, subways, and buses were the main form of transportation for the group, with the CNIB Guide Dogs vehicle only leaving the hotel's parking garage on a few occasions. The subway and streetcar travel were new and somewhat daunting for a few of the handlers in the class, but they walked away from the class commenting on their sense of achievement after successfully navigating Toronto's busy transportation system. The teams also benefited from a detailed orientation session provided by orientation and mobility specialists from Vision Loss Rehabilitation Ontario on how to navigate through Union Station, which is the second largest railway station in North America.
Another highlight from the training program included an optional guided ghost tour through the historic distillery district on a suitably misty evening the night before Halloween. The group also enjoyed a phenomenal presentation on virtual reality technology by CNIB's Shane Laurnitus which was held at the CNIB GTA Community Hub.
While this type of training program may not be preferable or appropriate for every guide dog handler, it fills a void for guide dog handlers who live, work, or travel in busy city conditions and want a training experience that is relevant to their lives. It can also build confidence while introducing city travel skills for people who may be less familiar with this sort of travel. CNIB Guide Dogs was very happy with this initial class and will offer future classes in Toronto while continuing to offer a more traditional training model from in Ottawa. The city training program will evolve with each class as feedback is received from participants, and new training opportunities are explored.