The cat that trains guide dogs how to resist temptation

The cat that trains guide dogs how to resist temptation

Cats and dogs are supposed to fight like… well, cats and dogs. So what makes Leo and Yoko so different?

By Nigel Blundell
Last updated at 7:46 AM on 12th January 2009

For most dogs, it would be temptation beyond endurance.

But for Yoko the labrador, being teased by a cat is all in a day's work.

Sixteen-month-old Yoko is a pupil at the Guide Dogs charity's training school, where Leo the tabby is a key member of staff.


1) No pussyfooting: Leo makes paw contact

Either Leo or his sister Nina is placed in a dog's way to see if it will be distracted or, even worse, try to chase its tormentor up a tree.

If, as in Yoko's case, there is no reaction, then the pupil will pass with flying colours. An aggressive response suggests that the dog will not make the grade because it could not be trusted not to abandon its owner.

Leo and Nina arrived as kittens eight years ago at the school in Woodford Green, Essex.


2) High-tailing it: He walks disdainfully past

'Our trainers walk the dogs past Leo and Nina wherever they happen to be at the time,' said Carolyn Kirkpatrick, who cares for 30 of the school's 100 dogs.

'Both cats just get on with it and are good at taking it all in their stride. Nothing seems to faze them - they are very robust.'

Yoko, one of around 1,200 would-be guide dogs born annually in the UK, spent her first year with a volunteer puppy walker who introduced her to the sights, sounds and smells of the world.

After an 18-week course at Woodford Green, she will be sent for final training and introduction to her new owner.


3) Eye to eye: He challenges Yoko to react

The cats presence is now an important part of the training, testing the dogs for ‘cat distraction’ weaknesses – thereby ensuring that, once fully qualified, the dogs will not be tempted to abandon their blind owners for the thrill of the chase.

“Our trainers walk the dogs past Leo and Nina wherever the pair happen to be at the time. Both cats just get on with it and are good at taking it all in their stride. Nothing seems to faze them; they are very robust.”

When not testing a dog’s patience to the limit, the cats spend most of their days lazing in the staff room or laundry.


4) It's a rollover: Leo lies down on the job

For the hard-working dogs, their encounters with the cats must at first seem an infuriating insult to a pooch’s pride. But most soon learn that cat chasing is simply not on if they have the important job of leading a blind or partially-sighted person.

Yoko is among the school’s top students. One of around 1,200 would-be guide dog pups born (nationwide) annually, she spent her first year with a volunteer puppy walker who introduced her to the sights, sounds and smells of the world.

Having learned the basics, she was brought to the Woodford Green school last November for her 18-week course, after which she’ll be sent for final training and introduction to her blind or visually impaired new owner.

“She is one of our prize pupils,” says Carolyn. “She has the cutest face but is is really intelligent and self-controlled.”

And her view of cats? Silly little things. No discipline. Just not our sort, m’dear!


5) Congratulations, you passed: Despite all Leo's efforts, Yoko failed to react

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1112137/Cats-dogs-supposed-fight-like-8230-cats-dogs--So-makes-Leo-Yoko-different.html