Ferry ride was part of guide dog training

As they near the completion of their training, a team of guide dogs received some special real-world experience on Tuesday—a ride on the ferry to Anna Maria Island.

Guide dogs are trained to adapt to the various sights, sounds, and smells they might encounter while assisting their future partners in daily life. In Bradenton, this training includes spending time on a boat.

“It helps us know the dogs a little bit better, so if the dog is really comfortable on the boat and we have someone who goes on the boat often, that might be a really nice match,” explained Jennifer Johnson, Dogs Inc training coordinator.

The Gulf Islands Ferry transports riders from the Bradenton Riverwalk to several locations on the island.

“It’s also a mode of public transportation that our dogs may need to work on when they get matched with their partner,” Johnson added.

In addition to ferry rides, the guide dogs also undergo training at Tampa International Airport, which includes boarding the train there.

On Tuesday, the ferry carried the team of guide dogs to the Anna Maria City Pier. The dogs disembarked with their trainers for a walk down to the shore, experiencing the sensations of walking down the dock, boarding the boat, riding it, and being exposed to the smells, engine sounds, and other passengers on board.

The Bradenton Area Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, which manages the ferry, ensures it is A.D.A. accessible.

“We want them to have a well-rounded training experience, so if our boat can be a part of that, we’re absolutely going to make that accessible to them,” stated Kolby Gayson, spokesperson for the Visitors Bureau.