What I looked for in a Guide Dog School
When I finally decided to get back on the ride to apply for a guide dog there were many factors that I considered. I know for everyone there are different factors that each individual considers, but when making this decision just think of it as choosing your perfect college. For me there were ten factors that I considered and are as follows:
Location of the school: For some the location of a given school is a factor for many reasons. For me at this time in my life it was not so much of a factor, as I had traveled all over the country both independently and with family. Although it was not a factor during the second go round of applying for a guide dog, it definitely was the first time, as I was only a year out from my fifth brain surgery and new to traveling independently with my new level of vision. As a result, 14 years ago I was trying to go to a school as close to home as I could, so I was close to family and my medical team.
Accessibility of the website: While applying for a guide dog I looked at the accessibility of the schools websites not only to see if I could access the needed information, but to see if the information was offered in multiple formats. One accessibility plus for the school I ended up choosing was the class lectures were made available in multiple formats, which I took full advantage of once I got accepted.
Length of the individual program: For some due to work, school, and life commitments they look at the length of a given program to determine if they can devote that amount of time. For me I looked at this in terms of being a first-time handler and all the new things I would have to learn. With this in mind I was really looking for an in person two-to-four-week program, so I could focus on what I was learning. I got really lucky in that the school I chose was offering two three-week summer classes, which I was able to take advantage of the first one being offered. As a first-time handler I feel that it was the perfect amount of time to learn the needed skills.
If the program offered to train the dogs on the right side or other specialized training: Being that I live with a mobility impairment that affects my left hand and arm, and that guide dogs are typically trained on the left side I was looking for a program that could potentially train the dog on the right if that’s what was needed. As I did my first Juno walk, I was pleasantly surprised that I could hold the harness handle in my left hand without letting go inadvertently and was also able to feel the needed movements.
Instructor to student ratio: Depending on the school chosen there is a student ratio of one instructor to two students and sometimes four students to one instructor. For me I preferred a school that offered a one instructor to two students, as this would mean longer routes, as well as more time to ask questions when needed.
Having a relationship with my dog's puppy raiser: It was important to me to have a relationship with my dog's puppy raiser as they put so much time into the dog's success in the beginning. Having this relationship also means that I get to share in our success as a team.
Veterinary assistance: Being that when I applied for a guide dog, I was a graduate student who was only working part time I knew that I would need some assistance with veterinary care, as it can sometimes come at a high cost. Each school varies in the assistance they provide with veterinary care costs from no assistance to full assistance for the working life of a dog. I ended up going with a school that provides a small stipend each year but does not pay for full veterinary care.
Cost of training to students: Most guide dog schools provide their dogs to students free of charge, but there are some schools that do charge a small fee to students for each dog. Being that I am a working student I knew that I could not pay this fee at this time, but once I am able to I will be donating monthly as a thank you for the sense of independence and companionship I have been provided.
Breed of Dogs: When choosing a guide dog school it is important to consider what breed of dog that you are looking for, most schools provide Labradors, Golden Retrievers, a combination of Labrador and Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Poodles. For me I knew I wanted a Labrador or Golden retriever for their calm demeanor, since I work in offices and classrooms with students of all ages.
Connecting with graduates from programs you are considering: In my process to apply to different guide dog schools, I found it helpful to talk to people who graduated from each program to get insight as to how they felt about the support they received while in class and post-graduation.
I have to give a special thank you to Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) for doing a survey of what each school offered in 2020, as this survey helped answer many of my questions as a potential first-time handler and may help in answering yours as well.
Lindsay and Eve next to the Guiding Eyes for the Blind dog statue.
