Episode 29: Interview with Peggy Gibbon of The Seeing Eye in Morristown, NJ
Episode 29: Interview with Peggy Gibbon of The Seeing Eye in Morristown, NJ  
Podcast: Canine Connection Podcast
Published On: Tue Feb 10 2026
Description: In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie interview Peggy Gibbon, a retired Instructor and Director for The Seeing Eye Guide Dog School in Morristown, NJ. Peggy shares her journey of working with dogs for over 42 years, discussing the importance of puppy raisers, the training process for guide dogs, and the impact these dogs have on the lives of their handlers. She emphasizes the significance of genetics in breeding, the selection process for matching dogs with handlers, and the need for clarity in training. They discuss the incredible training behind these dogs and their ability to quickly generalize what they learn. The conversation highlights the passion and dedication of everyone involved in the guide dog program, showcasing how these dogs truly change lives.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Peggy Gibbon02:42 Peggy's Journey to the Seeing Eye05:10 Training Guide Dogs: Then and Now08:21 The Role of Puppy Raisers12:15 Community Support in Puppy Raising21:18 Peggy's Career Progression at the Seeing Eye26:38 The Structured Training Program30:19 Motivation and Bonding with Dogs35:45 Tailoring Training to Individual Needs39:35 The Matching Process: Dog and Handler46:17 The Breeding Program's Role in Success01:03:13 Understanding Car Sickness in Puppies01:04:33 The Importance of Saying 'No' in Training01:07:09 Building Confidence Through Clarity01:09:52 The Teamwork Between Dog and Handler01:11:50 Genetics vs. Training: What Makes a Great Guide Dog?01:17:59 Transferring Training Techniques Across Disciplines01:21:09 The Impact of Guide Dogs on Lives01:29:00 The Passion Behind the Seeing Eye OrganizationFOLLOW US:https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpodhttps://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcastPETRA:https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/www.petrasdogresourcecenter.comLAURIE:https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimaviciushttps://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025