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Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) is one of the largeest guide dog training programs in North America, rivalled only by The Seeing Eye in New Jersey. Founded in 1942, GDB has graduated more than 10,000 guide dog teams since its inception, and now operates two campuses (one near San Francisco, California; and the other near Portland, Oregon). GDB class sizes tend to be larger (10-15 students), but each class will typically have 3 or more instructors to work with students.

Training Environment

Both GDB campuses are located in suburban areas within 30 miles of a major metropolitan centre, providing students with an opportunity to work in a variety of environments, including subway and public transit use. Students at the Boring campus have a semi-private room (sharing the washroom with their neighbour), and plans are afoot to convert the dormitories in San Rafael to a similar layout.

GDB will sometimes offer in-home training, especially for retrain handlers, when circumstances dictate.

Breeds

Guide Dogs for the Blind relies primarily on labrador retrievers, labrador/golden retriever crosses, and golden retrievers for their guide dogs. GDB has also, at various times, attempted to train collies, german shephards, and poodles, but has had limited success with these breeds. In fact, the school announced in late 2007 that they would not continue to breed, raise, or train german shephard dogs due to their declining success rate and changing consumer population.

Special Needs

While GDB does not train “special skills” dogs per se, they have trained some dogs to work with wheelchair users, and other special considerations (such as needing a dog trained on the right side) are not out of the question.

Costs

There is no cost to the student to attend the training program. Guide Dogs for the Blind covers all travel, accommodation, and meal expenses for the duration of the program. Students will likely wish to bring some spending money, but the basics are covered. There is no charge for the guide dog.

Students are generally responsible for the routine maintenance (including feeding) of their dogs; however, veterinary cost stipends are available to graduates to offset the costs associated with approved procedures (such as annual vaccinations, or flea and heartworm medication). GDB may be able to assist graduates with emergency or other extraordinary veterinary expenses which crop up during the working life of the dog.

Ownership

Handlers may apply for full ownership of their guide dog one year after graduation if they so choose. Obtaining ownership does not change the support services available to the client. There is no fee for the transfer of ownership.

For more information

Please visit the Guide Dogs for the Blind web site for more information on this program.