[WEEKENDER] A day with Jerry, guide dog in training

Jerry, a Labrador retriever, diligently approached a crosswalk during a training session at the Samsung Guide Dog School. With no instruction from his trainer, Keum Jung-hun, Jerry instinctively halted at the curb, discerning the line between the sidewalk and the road. To acknowledge Jerry's correct behavior, Keum pressed a clicker, emitting a distinct sound.

This signaling device, referred to as a clicker, signifies that Jerry has executed a task accurately. While verbal compliments require time, the clicker allows trainers to mark the precise instant when a dog performs correctly. During an encounter with Jerry and Keum at the Korea Times, Jerry was identified as an almost 2-year-old guide dog in training.

The Korea Times interviewed him on November 2 at the Samsung Guide Dog School, located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. This institution is entirely supported by Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance. Following six to seven months of professional training, Jerry successfully completed his final walking assessment and is now advancing through the final stages prior to being matched with a visually impaired companion.

Observing Jerry and Keum on their morning training walk outside the school grounds, near Bundang Central Park in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, demonstrated that guide dog training involves a meticulous and patient process.