Choosing a Program

There are about 15 different guide dog training programs in the U.S. and while they each offer the same basic service, i.e. a trained guide dog, they all do it in a different way. Not every school will best fit everyone’s needs so it is important to do your research when choosing a school.

I say that choosing a guide dog school is as important as choosing a college. You will have a long lasting relationship with the school you choose so you should go into it with as much information as possible.

In 1995 when I was choosing my school I didn’t have very many resources, surely not as many resources as are out there today. All I could do was to talk with those few dog guide users I knew in person about the schools they all had gone to. Additionally I got my hands on as many books by guide dog users and from guide dog schools as I could.

Some of the questions I asked at that time included:

• What is the application process like?

• Do I have to provide a video of my cane work,

• Does someone come out to do a home interview?

• What sort of medical documentation do I need?

• Do I need references? If so, from who?

• How long does it take from the time your application is submitted to the time you are in class?

• What sorts of dogs, breeds, sexes ect. Do they use?

• What if I have a preference for a particular breed or sex of dog?

• How long is the training?

• If you’ve had a dog previously are you able to have a shortened time in class?

• What is a typical day in training like?

• Will I be able to work with my dog alone before I go home?

• How many other students will be in class?

• While in training, what things are offered at the dorm?

• If I have special dietary concerns like vegetarian or low sodium, can the school provide special meals?

• What are the students rooms like?

• Will I have a roommate?

• What do I need to bring to class?

• What things does the school provide, i.e. training equipment, toys, grooming tools?

• Am I required to feed a particular food after I get home?

• Is there a graduation event?

• Do you get to meet or get in contact with your dog’s puppy raisers/walkers?

• Will I get full ownership of my dog upon graduation?

• Is there any cost associated with acquiring my guide dog?

• Will I receive financial assistance with veterinary care, food or other expenses if I should need it?

• What sorts of follow up services are available?

• Will I be required to have follow up visits or fill out questionnaires?

• What are my choices when retirement time comes?

• If there are specific things you want included in the training, escalators, rural travel, or anything else important to you. Ask about that too!

These are general questions that can be answered by calling the schools you’re interested in. Additional questions you may need to ask include: • Does this school work with: 1. Students who have some remaining vision.

2. Students who have a hearing loss.

3. Students who have additional physical disabilities

4. Students who have been turned down by other schools

5. Students who are in high school or who are older (senior citizens)

6. Students whose primary language is other than English

Once you’ve narrowed the schools down to a short list of three or four, your next step is to seek out graduates of those programs. The internet has made this very easy with list serves. You can find Email lists for general guide dog related lists, and lists for schools. These lists (especially the school specific lists) can provide you with first hand information from the graduates of the schools you are interested in. And these can be the best sources to get a feel for a school. You can ask the above questions plus these additional ones.

• What are the things you, as graduates, like best about the program?

• What things as graduates do you dislike about the program?

Arming yourself with as much information as you can prior to choosing a school will put you in good standing! It is perfectly alright to put in your application in to more than one school at the same time and if a school lower down on your list contacts you first it doesn’t mean you must go with them. Most schools will keep your application open for a year from the date it was received and they understand they aren’t the only game in town. Once you have gone to a school it doesn’t tie you down to that school for your next guide dog. If you find that the school you have received your dog from no longer fits your needs, then it is your right to pick a new school that better fits you. It doesn’t make your former school a bad school, or the new school the “best” school. Not everyone will be best served by one school; this is why we have so many choices. You have to feel comfortable with your school; by researching you hopefully will pick the best school for you.