In September 2007, the Dalian Medical University was moved from Shahekou District,
Dalian City, Liaoning Province, to Lüshunkou District, Dalian City. Together with this
move, a new guide dog training center was established which opened in October of that
year. An inspection of the new center was conducted in February 2008, and interviews
were conducted toward the center director and trainers.
Facilities including dog kennels and training areas inside university grounds were
now more replete compared to previous conditions. There were 14 rooms for one dog
kennel, and one room housed 5 to 6 dogs. At the time of the inspection, 26 dogs were
undergoing training, and 37 dogs were entrusted into the care of puppy walkers. While
we were informed that one visually impaired person was undergoing joint training,
training was discontinued at the time as it coincided with the Chinese New Year
period.
The entire university grounds were being used for the basic training of these dogs.
According to the trainers, there have been many times during training when bus
drivers would refuse dogs and trainers from boarding. Trainers have had to explain
and provide certification each time to prove that these dogs are training to become
guide dogs. It is urgent that laws be drafted to ensure that guide dogs (including dogs
undergoing training) are readily accepted by society. Although activities to educate the
public about guide dogs have been carried out by way of mass media such as television,
focused educational activities targeting transportation systems used for training, and
the everyday living spheres of users are also needed.