# guide dog schools

Category: Animal House

## Post 1 by pianoplayer4jesus (the Zone BBS remains forever my home page) on Saturday, 15-Jan-2011 17:59:29

So I'm curious which guide dog school is your favorite and why? I know each school is different so I'm interested to read about the differences between each school as I'm contemplating about whether or not to get a guide dog and from where. Let me know what you think about your school of choice. This is not meant to put down or bah any particular schools I'm just looking for feedback to compare them.

## Post 2 by Shadow_Cat (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Saturday, 15-Jan-2011 20:51:02

Of course there are pros and cons to any school. When I had a guide dog, I went to Leader Dogs in michigan. My experience with them was very good. The trainers were friendly, and my dog was a very good match for me. If I got one again, I might go to Leader, or my other choice would be Guiding Eye in New York. They, too, were very friendly when I talked to them. I got my Leader dog when I was 18 years old. When I was looking into schools, and talked to Guiding Eyes, they very politely, but very clearly, told me that they did not feel I was ready for a dog at that stage in my life. They said they felt that when I was a bit older, and maybe not in college anymore, I would be a very good user, but not then. At that time, it really pissed me off to hear that. Now, I'm actually impressed with their candor. It tells me that they cared more about me as a person, and as a potential dog user than they did about their number of graduates, etc. That's one of the big reasons I'd consider them.
When I've looked into the various schools, I found Seeing Eye to be incredibly rude to talk to. I know they turn out very good dogs, and I respect them for that. But I find their unfriendly attitude toward a prospective student very frustrating. I've been told that's just the East coast culture, but Guiding Eyes is on the East coast too, and they are not like that.
Just my two cents.

## Post 3 by Daenerys Targaryen (Enjoying Life) on Saturday, 15-Jan-2011 21:44:54

Proud grad of Guiding Eyes! I've had my dog for almost four years now. This is a survey of the guide dog schools in the US, but its from 2006.
http://www.gdui.org/schoolsurvey.html
Does anyone know if there's an updated survey?

## Post 4 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Monday, 17-Jan-2011 21:24:59

Leaderdogs is actually one of the three I'm considering. I did hear a rumor that they'd been targetted by Anima Rights orgaizations due to kennel conditions but that was just from one person on the Zone. THey said the same thing about Guide Dog Foundation as well, which is the second of the three schools I'm considering. The third is Guiding Eyes. I've met people from there and they were extremely friendly. I wouldn't go to the Seeing Eye, not because of the $$150 fee they charge for the dog but because like Sister Dawn I too found them to be incredibly rude. Certainly the field rep I met on several occasions seemed rather full of herself. But I also didn't like the almost secretive approach they seem to take to their program. They don't hold a graduation ceremony and you're not given the opportunity to meet your dog's puppy raiser(s). They say it's bad for either you or the dog. Personally I'd like to have the opportunity that helped withmy dog's development and perhaps even keep in touch and keep them up to speed on how things were going. Then there's Guide Dogs for the Blind. They were polite but little too formal for my taste. And about all they told me that made sense during the home interview I had in '08 was that I needed to work on the strength in my arms and knowing better where I was when I travel. Then they told me I live in too dangerous of a neighborhood because of the large stretches with no sidewalk. Oh, and it's apparently against the rules to stumble even a little when you have 30+ mile-an-hour winds either directly in your face or directly at your back. So that's another school I would cross off my list.

## Post 5 by Shadow_Cat (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Tuesday, 18-Jan-2011 12:29:45

Hmmm, I've never heard that rumor about Leader and their kennel conditions. I'd be very curious to know if there is any truth behind it. When I went there, we were not allowed to meet our dog's puppy raiser either, but that was nearly 12 years ago, so it's very likely they have changed their policy since then.

## Post 6 by Musical Ambition (I've got the gold prolific poster award, now is there a gold cup for me?) on Tuesday, 18-Jan-2011 13:13:15

I attended Leader Dogs for the Blind last July/August. I loved it there. I have not heard any kennel rumor, but I can personally tell you that the rumor of poor kennel conditions is false. The students are given the opportunity to tour the kennels, and the school definitely cares about the dogs and their living/training environment.
The Leader Dog campus is very nice. While there, you have your own room. Each room comes with TV/cable, phone, mini fridge, radio/alarm clock, and personal bathroom. Each room also has its own thermostat, thus making each room individually temperature-controlled, which is very, very nice. Each room also has a door that leads out to the "park' area.
The dorm has several lounges where students are free to mingle, play games, watch TV/movies, play/listen to music, etc. One lounge has several guitars, a piano and another electric piano/keyboard. There are areas outside where you can get together, too. If you bring a laptop with you, you will be able to use it in your room, so no worries there, but if you don't have one to bring, there is a computer lab. There's also a library full of books (both braille and cassette), as well as many, many movies. There is also a student store, exercise room, and two dog grooming rooms. The Leader Dog grounds also has a practice course you and your dog are free to use when nothing else is going on.
The school does have an open-campus policy, but should you leave the grounds, you do not take your dog with you.
I also found the staff to be great. They are very nice and helpful. The food is absolutely fabulous, too! If you need to go somewhere such as a store, there are staff members who will gladly take you, if you wish.
At the end of each week, you and your trainer have a touch-base meeting. These meetings give you the opportunity to bring up any concerns, issues, opinions, suggestions, questions, etc, and it also gives your trainer the opportunity to give you an in-depth opinion on how you and your dog are doing. Even with these meetings in place, you are definitely welcome to approach any of the trainers/staff at any given moment during your stay with any questions or concerns you may have.
While training with your dog, you will also use the Trekker Breeze GPS. It is an awesome piece of equipment! It's especially useful when you are in an area you know nothing about. Upon graduation, the Breeze does go home with you.
After graduation, your trainer will keep in touch, and you are also encouraged to contact them, should any problem or concern arise. If you need help with anything, they will come out to help. If you need assistance learning the layout of a new school, work environment, neighborhood, etc, they will be there for you.
Leader does give students and puppy raisers the opportunity to meet. I, for one, think this is a great thing to do. The puppy raisers play such a huge role in the lives of these dogs, and I am so glad that I got to meet my dog's raiser. I personally wanted to thank her for all that she does. We keep in touch with each other, and I know that this means a great deal to her. I am a member of the Leader Dog email list, and there are many raisers on there who feel the same way. They are so incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to meet the handlers of their pups, and to also keep in touch, hearing the stories, receiving pictures, and just continuing to be a part of their puppy's life.
I know that there is so much that I'm not mentioning here, so if you have any questions, feel free to send a message.

## Post 7 by pianoplayer4jesus (the Zone BBS remains forever my home page) on Tuesday, 18-Jan-2011 17:51:01

Thanks everyone for your posts. Appreciate the info.

## Post 8 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Tuesday, 18-Jan-2011 18:33:22

an open campus policy? You mean there are places where you sign a contract to remain on campus throughout the training period? Troubling and weird if you ask me. I can understand not letting the dog leave if you're not a certified handler or whatever, but what you do off duty oughta be your business. Legally, it is your business.

## Post 9 by Musical Ambition (I've got the gold prolific poster award, now is there a gold cup for me?) on Wednesday, 19-Jan-2011 12:00:54

I was just pointing out the fact that you can go somewhere if you choose. I have spoken with many people who have never gone to a guide dog school before, and so they don't know anything at all about what you can and cannot do.

## Post 10 by pianoplayer4jesus (the Zone BBS remains forever my home page) on Wednesday, 19-Jan-2011 22:07:53

Okay interesting. What I don't understand is this. Why aren't you allowed to take your guide dog off campus if it's an open campus policy? Seems to me that if you're training with a dog you should be able to take it off campus with you to give you more experience walking with it.

## Post 11 by Musical Ambition (I've got the gold prolific poster award, now is there a gold cup for me?) on Thursday, 20-Jan-2011 15:22:33

No. The school has responsibility for that dog, and until you complete your training, you do not take that dog off campus. They're not going to hand over a dog, put it in your care, and say, OK, you're free to do as you wish. Things are not as simple as one may think. There's a huge, huge responsibility to having a guide dog, and you have to learn all that you can to maximize both your personal and working relationship with that dog.

## Post 12 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Thursday, 20-Jan-2011 18:26:35

Post 9, there was no criticism implied: not of you anyway. Sad if there's a class of people thinks they show up for a training, and, when not on duty, their lives are regulated.
But the last poster's correct in my opinion:
There are items I can neither handle nor use until certified as a member of the Coast Guard, same thing. Only if I'm at their trainings, even overnight / week-long things, when you're on duty you're on, but when you're not, well, in my case anyway, look out watering hole, here I come.

## Post 13 by BigDogDaddy (Help me, I'm stuck to my chair!) on Thursday, 20-Jan-2011 21:18:08

Leo, the idea though when training at a guide dog school is "you're there to train for a dog guide". For newby's adjusting to the lifestyle is almost like having a new born, from the eating times to bathroom breaks to grooming to bonding ETC. I'm a dad of 4 girls all under 7, it's my best analagy! Anyhow, the point is, you're time spent there is to trainin in all aspects of guide dogs. So, while your time isn't micro managed 24 7, it is for a vast majority of the time, and many schools require you to stay put when not actively training. I've been to the TSE 3 times and after hours I can do what I wish with in reason while on campus, but no leaving of any kind. Many schools that I've researched with few exceptions follow these guidelines.

## Post 14 by changedheart421 (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Thursday, 20-Jan-2011 21:29:34

I went to guide dogs for the blind in APR. of last year and would recommend it with high reguards for people who are not getting there first dog. The training program has changed to 2 weeks and though atfirst I thought that was great I now see that I def being a first time guide user needed a 28 day thing. People might be different but that is just my opinion. They are very nice though, the food is marvelous on the Oregon campus, and the 2 to 1 instructor was good for me. To the school that lets you go through there kennel I think that is great.

## Post 15 by Musical Ambition (I've got the gold prolific poster award, now is there a gold cup for me?) on Friday, 21-Jan-2011 11:50:17

Post 13, thank you for sharing your input. I had heard that there are schools that ask students not to leave campus at all, but wasn't sure if this was still the case.
If a student left the Leader Dog campus, we were required to check in and out, that way we were accounted for in case of emergency or other things that may have come up. We also had to be on campus at particular times of the day/night to take care of park times, feeding, etc.
We did have somewhat of a curfew time. We weren't able to leave the campus after . . . 11 PM, I think? Well, actually, I can't remember whether or not they asked us not to leave campus after that time, but I do remember them asking that if anyone went outside, to let the night staff know. The reasoning for this is because they have an alarm system that is engaged after a particular time, and if any of the doors were opened, the alarm would go off.

## Post 16 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Friday, 21-Jan-2011 16:12:23

While some of this does sound rather bent for underage folk, I completely understand Post 13.
In summary: You're not really off duty ever.
I'm the father of a teen, and it's like the baby years all over again, only it's not changing poo, it's waiting up for them to come in / deal with all the rest.
But I digress: I'd question the sign-in / sign-out stuff with the exception of the underage of course, but the concept of always on duty is probably what they're after.
It would make sense to me, for example, if you had to account for the dog's whereabouts when you left, e.g. you and another agreed for one to dog sit while the other left, say, got pizza and beer for both of you just as an example, and came back. That would still be managing the animal responsibly.
But it is certainly a lifestyle, and I think the school web sites seem to be doing a good job of communicating that. I'm not a canine handler, but my sister-in-law is. It's not a guide,but still, her life has changed radically. It's not just put it in the yard when you go to work, take it to the beach, etc.
Just my thoughts,
Leo

## Post 17 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Sunday, 23-Jan-2011 1:08:45

Thanks Musical. Leaderdogs is probably the one that intrigues me most out of all three schools I've chosen. I suppose the main reason I haven't applied is that I want to be sure I'm financially able tocare for a dog. And given the fact that they just cut my SSI almost in half as a result of my recent marriage that could present a problem.

## Post 18 by CrystalSapphire (Uzuri uongo ndani) on Wednesday, 09-Feb-2011 12:04:38

Now for those that think seeing eye is rudee... wait till you get to new york and stay... ny people in general or rude... NJ is no where near that. I've been to seeing eye for a seminar they were all nice.

## Post 19 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Wednesday, 09-Feb-2011 12:31:04

Maybe people up there are rude in general but certainly none of the folks at GUiding Eyes, and yes, I've met and spoken to many of them over the years, were that way.

## Post 20 by turricane (happiness and change are choices ) on Tuesday, 22-Feb-2011 15:40:10

this past august when i was at gdb, guide dogs for the blind, we wer allowed to go off campus but the dog had to stay home. this makes perfect sense to me as (1) if i am not totally trained, i might do something dangerous and (2) i might start a bad habbit in the dog. i didn't go off except once or twice as I just enjoyed playing with my pup and talking with my gal pals when i wasn't officially in class. however, it was good to know that i could leave is i wanted to.

## Post 21 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Tuesday, 22-Feb-2011 21:48:14

That seems to be standard policy for a lot of the schools. It makes perfect sense to me too, and for exactly the reasons you listed above.

## Post 22 by Lisa's Girl forever (Help me, I'm stuck to my chair!) on Friday, 04-Mar-2011 7:18:21

cool about leader dogs. smiles. i like there program. i may go to leader dogs. smiles.

## Post 23 by Lisa's Girl forever (Help me, I'm stuck to my chair!) on Friday, 04-Mar-2011 7:18:59

cool smiles. i like leader. and guideing eyes. smiles.

## Post 24 by Lisa's Girl forever (Help me, I'm stuck to my chair!) on Friday, 04-Mar-2011 7:19:14

ok cool

## Post 25 by Lisa's Girl forever (Help me, I'm stuck to my chair!) on Friday, 04-Mar-2011 7:19:46

awesome.

## Post 26 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Sunday, 06-Mar-2011 15:46:33

Wow. That was what, quadruple posting? LOL. Not that I can honestly say I haven't done that.