At Nanaimo’s ferry terminal, guide dog puppies tackle their first escalator lesson with B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs, building confidence for future service.
Puppies Take on an Unusual Lesson
At Nanaimo’s Departure Bay ferry terminal on Wednesday, Oct. 29, a group of eager guide dog puppies faced an uncommon challenge — learning to ride an escalator. The session, hosted by B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs, was part of an essential training series designed to prepare the young dogs for their future roles assisting people with disabilities.
Why Escalator Training Matters
According to Matthias Lenz, director of puppy raising for the organization, escalators can be intimidating for dogs unfamiliar with the moving steps and mechanical noise. “It’s a really weird thing for a dog to experience,” he explained. “By introducing it early and letting the dogs set the pace, we prevent anxiety later during advanced training.”
Because escalators are rare on Vancouver Island, the non-profit partnered with B.C. Ferries to use the terminal’s facility during a quiet travel period.
How Puppies Learn the Ropes
Before taking their first ride, the escalators are turned off. Puppies sniff, explore, and walk up the stationary stairs. Gradually, trainers reintroduce movement, helping each dog adapt at its own pace.
Volunteer puppy raisers like Danielle Swanson spend up to 18 months teaching obedience, confidence, and socialization before the dogs move on to four to six months of advanced instruction.
Volunteers Behind the Program
Swanson, who brought her 13-week-old Labrador, Gibuu, said volunteering has been a fulfilling experience. “You see your dog later helping a veteran or first responder, and you realize how much they change lives,” she shared.
Having raised 12 puppies through the program, Swanson encourages more volunteers to get involved, noting a need for trainers with time and patience.
Building Calm and Confident Companions
Shannon Graham, puppy training supervisor, said her role focuses on supporting volunteers. “We’re building calm, confident, and connected dogs — ones who can be resilient and look to their person for guidance,” she said.
The escalator exercise, Graham added, helps dogs understand that strange environments can be safe, giving them confidence that will carry into their future work as guide, autism, or PTSD service dogs.
Continuing the Mission
Once certified, the dogs are paired with clients across Canada, providing critical assistance to people who are visually impaired, children with autism, and veterans with operational stress injuries.
For more information or to volunteer, visit bcandalbertaguidedogs.com.
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