Guide Dog Survey Results

These guide dog survey results are organized by the date they were submitted. The most recent submissions appear at the bottom of the page. Each entry begins with ***. Entries are reviewed for content appropriateness. Entries appear exactly as submitted if the content is appropriate for all ages of readers. No survey has been edited or altered in any way. The content of survey answers reflects the opinions and experiences of the individual contributors. LivingBlind.com makes no guarantee of the accuracy of the information, nor does LivingBlind.com make any recommendations or endorsements of any particular guide dog program.

If you would like to share your experiences please fill out the survey at: guide dog survey

*** Which guide dog program did you attend?: gdb

Was this your first guide dog?: no

How well do you feel the guide dog you were matched with fit your needs?: This Yelow Lab Female was 24 months old. She was perfect for me. Her name was Bear.

How satisfied were you with the level of skill your dog had when you received him or her?: Very, right on!Bear was perfect.

How well did training at the program prepare you for the types of travel you would be doing in your regular routine: At that time, very well. Lots of county roads. I lived 10 miles from town. It was 6 miles around the block.

How well do you feel the program did at providing information about diet, exercise, grooming and general care?: This was 1986. Very good.It was good.

How well do you feel you were informed by the program about your access rights when accompanied by your guide dog?: Very good.fully informed.

How challenging did you find the training?: This was my second dog. I had a male Yellow Lab named Hart from Pilot dogs. So training was much more detailed.

How much did you feel that your thoughts and concerns were respected and taken into consideration?: This was in the days when the first thing getting to gdb they took our canes. Very humileating! I didn't think anything we said mattered. I felt they already had there minds made up.

Did you feel that you were treated unfairly or differently because of your visual impairment or additional disability?: I felt we were all treated like big children as it were.

What was the best feature of this training experience?: The dog I recievd. The training was fine, but no extra work even if requested.

What would you like to be changed, improved or added to the training experience?: 1. Treated as a person that is on the level as the staff. 2. Being able to do indipentent and or extra work, if desired. 3. Not having to sit in the same place when eating meals. Being able to sit wherever you want to.

Other comments: I have only been to Pilot and gdb. I am signed up with gdb because it was easy. I have heard a lot that Seeing Eye treats there customers with more respect and dignity then most other schools. I can't understand as much money as some of the schools have why they can't put on at least one more trainer with each class to cut the wait time down. and extra trainer or two for those that wish to do different and more work then the standard fair. ------------------------------

*** > Which guide dog program did you attend? > I went to Guide dog foundation

> Was this your first dog? > No my third dog from the school

> Did you feel it was a good match? > Yes and no, He is a good match for me as speed, but I would have loved a > dog > that took on more for himself, instead of wanting others to do his job for > him.

> Were you satisfied with the level of skill your dog had when you received > him or her? > Yes I feel the foundation is an excellent school. I would go back again.

> Did training at the program prepare you for the types of travel you would > be > doing in your regular routine > Yes I felt they covered all I needed to know, for where I am living.

> Do you feel that the program provided enough information about diet, > exercise, grooming and general care? > Yes I felt they covered the care of the dog quite well, for what they > know. > Always ready to share new tips if they feel it is good for the dogs.

> Do you feel that the program provided enough information about your access > rights when accompanied by your guide dog? > Yes this was covered quite well, even wanting those of us who work with > the > access programs to share information. > So they were kept up to date.

> Did you find the training challenging > Yes the training was a challenge for me, one working a dog being a > diabetic, > and getting so tired. > And two when I don't know an area it is always a challenge.

> Did you feel that your thoughts and concerns were respected and taken into > consideration? > Yes, I felt my comments do mean something to the school instructors. > As well as the other staff members.

> Did you feel that you were treated unfairly or differently because of your > visual impairment? > Because I walked slower than many of the persons there, I felt I was left > in > the dust. > So one of the instructors walked with me. > I have arthritis in my knees and this does make a difference on how > quickly > you can move. > But I got what I wanted when I went shopping, so I didn't care. > I didn't feel rushed.

> What was the best feature of this training experience? > Coming home with my dog. > The four instructors I worked with were pleased on how I handled my dog. > When they went to a meeting on our behalf, one question was asked, should > I > be sent home. > All four said no. > the team is working well. > I enjoy knowing they are willing to work hard with every person in > training.

> What would you like to be changed, improved or added to the training > experience? > I would like to take my dog with me on outings. > To see how he does with me in a crowd with out the instructors. > Realizing that the volunteers want to get as many persons in their car as > they can, so to have three dogs and a driver wouldn't work out well. > I would love to take my dog to mass, since the dog would do this when I > get > home. > You wouldn't have such a struggle.

> Other comments > Going to New York from Montana is a challenge. > Because I didn't get there until mid night. > This would happen all of the time for me as long as I live here. > I would like to have a day to get used to the difference in time change > and > regroup from the plane ride. > I enjoy the single rooms, got to know my dog much better. > As I said before I feel the Foundation is a wonderful school, and I would > go > back.

*** Which guide dog program did you attend?: The Seeing Eye Inc.

What year did you attend this program?: June 2002 and July 2004

Was this your first guide dog?: No

How well do you feel the guide dog you were matched with fit your needs?: Very very well. I can't express how wonderful of a match we are. They were so good about meeting all of my needs. I needed a dog that worked very well in various locations and under many conditions.

How satisfied were you with the level of skill your dog had when you received him or her?: Very satisfied. She was and still is so good. Her trainer did a phenominal job. From the time I got her, she needed many fewer corrections then my previous dog, and if she needed corrections they were light.

How well did training at the program prepare you for the types of travel you would be doing in your regular routine: The seeing eye tries to give students a variety of training experiences. I basically did every kind of travel and then some that I would ever need to do from college campuses to country work (without sidewalks), to residential neighborhoods. We even worked New York City!

How well do you feel the program did at providing information about diet, exercise, grooming and general care?: The program is very strict, and thorough when talking about these issues. They give lectures, and provide students with lecture tapes concerning all of these issues. In addition, if it was something hands on like grooming, and giving of medication, they made sure that they showed us how to do it if we needed to know.

How well do you feel you were informed by the program about your access rights when accompanied by your guide dog?: Their access information is very good. We have a lecture about that, and they send us home with a book about all access laws in each state, an ID card, as well as little access cards explaining the law in general.

How challenging did you find the training?: The training was challenging, but in a good way. It was a lot of information, and a lot of work, but it was all necessary, and helpful. In addition, challenges are faced at home, so it helped in some ways to prepare for those, and I had a bit better of an idea of what to expect.

How much did you feel that your thoughts and concerns were respected and taken into consideration?: The staff at seeing eye is so helpful! They are always willing to listen to a graduate. They have an exit interview so we can discuss particular issues about training that we might like to see changed. However, if we need to talk about personal issues, or issues of stress, we can always talk to the trainers, and in addition the school employs a full time counselor.

Did you feel that you were treated unfairly or differently because of your visual impairment or additional disability?: No!

What was the best feature of this training experience?: Everything! Everything just mentioned, plus how comfortable the staff makes you feel. Training is challenging, but there is an amazing level of support at the school. To top it off, the food is excelent! Its like eating catored food for every meal! Mmmmmmm!

What would you like to be changed, improved or added to the training experience?: I'd like to see more positive training methods used, however, apparently my wishes are already coming true, because they are doing a bit more with treat training in class now!

Other comments: I liked the way this survey was set up. It was not only well organized, but very accessable. Props to you Julie J. ------------------------------

*** Which guide dog program did you attend?: The Seeing Eye

What year did you attend this program?: 1999

Was this your first guide dog?: No

How well do you feel the guide dog you were matched with fit your needs?: Extremely well.

How satisfied were you with the level of skill your dog had when you received him or her?: Very Satisfied

How well did training at the program prepare you for the types of travel you would be doing in your regular routine: Very well. The program offered the student the opportunity to participate in optional "free lance" trips. These trips were customized to mimic travel needs not covered on regular routes. Students should request such optional trips as soon as Identified from their instructor.

How well do you feel the program did at providing information about diet, exercise, grooming and general care?: These topics are covered adequately assuming the student completes homework assignments recommended. Clarification and additional information was readily available upon request.

How well do you feel you were informed by the program about your access rights when accompanied by your guide dog?: Extremely well. Access legislation for the US and Canada was provided in booklet form for the student to carry with them.

How challenging did you find the training?: Routes were progressive in difficulty, tactile maps were available for review and successful "solo" of the route was required for progression. If you don't walk regularly, warm up at home before class starts.

How much did you feel that your thoughts and concerns were respected and taken into consideration?: With respect to the team at hand excellent; with respect to other program aspects (i.e., puppy rasing, training methods etc.) minimal.

Did you feel that you were treated unfairly or differently because of your visual impairment or additional disability?: Absolutely not.

What was the best feature of this training experience?: Private room, the ability to customize travel training, great food, weekend visitation, and sufficient down time to focus on bonding well with the dog before returning home.

What would you like to be changed, improved or added to the training experience?: I would like to see this program move toward positive training methods, provide students with more information about the dogs experience with the raising family, be more forthcoming about previous health and/or behavorial issues the dogs may have faced, and offer additional information about how to train other optional behaviors beyondd the scope of the traditional class.

Other comments: Seeing Eye does and excellent job of follow-up once you return home. The program is quick to respond to all graduate inquiries from the field and does not hesitate to provide "at home" help if needed or desired. The program is also effective in preparing the student with information and assistance that will ease the transition of bringing a "working" dog into your home and workplace. I have found several videos provided to me on request useful tools in educating my family, co-workers and community about what the team can do and how they can support the working team. ------------------------------

*** Which guide dog program did you attend?: Guiding Eyes for the Blind

What year did you attend this program?: 1992

Was this your first guide dog?: Yes

How well do you feel the guide dog you were matched with fit your needs?: I thought this guide dog was a perfect fit for me. I would have liked a more active playing dog, but her guiding was exceptional. A wonderful dog all around!

How satisfied were you with the level of skill your dog had when you received him or her?: I thought it was exceptional, very smart dog and well-trained

How well did training at the program prepare you for the types of travel you would be doing in your regular routine: It was very good, as I became more prficient with my first guide, I learned more and had more experiences to learn about.

How well do you feel the program did at providing information about diet, exercise, grooming and general care?: I thought they did well. The more seasoned a guide dog user I got, the more I realized and learned by myself or by asking others.

How well do you feel you were informed by the program about your access rights when accompanied by your guide dog?: I thought they were ok. I like the book they provided, but didn't really inform me how to do with "foreign owners."

How challenging did you find the training?: I found it very challenging. I slept as much as I could, because I was not used to walking that much. I got used to it after the first 2 weeks. The van were great to sleep in after the trainning was over at the end of the day.

How much did you feel that your thoughts and concerns were respected and taken into consideration?: I thought they took great concern while in class. When I had problems withmy dog or roomate, they address my concerns right away. They even switched my room! When I left class, they were not as helpful as i thought they would be.

Did you feel that you were treated unfairly or differently because of your visual impairment or additional disability?: No not at all

What was the best feature of this training experience?: The food, the training different outtings, the fountain outside, the staff

What would you like to be changed, improved or added to the training experience?: more training outtings, more meal options, single rooms

Other comments: ------------------------------

*** Which guide dog program did you attend?: Guide Dogs for the Blind

What year did you attend this program?: 2000

Was this your first guide dog?: No

How well do you feel the guide dog you were matched with fit your needs?: At first the pace was not good, but the staff helped me with that. She was definately different than my first dog, but they all have loving qualities. The guiding is wonderful, and she is very playful. I wouldn't trade her for the world!

How satisfied were you with the level of skill your dog had when you received him or her?: Great! She is great at finding things and route memorizing. The only thing is that she can be very distractable!

How well did training at the program prepare you for the types of travel you would be doing in your regular routine: They did wonderrully, except when I got home, the dog was used to walking on straigh sidewalk, and didn't know quite what to do with sidewalks that curved!

How well do you feel the program did at providing information about diet, exercise, grooming and general care?: They did great! My supervisior helped me one on one with pace, and even discussed and gave me the choice to try another dog or work with the one they gave me, We worked hard and it paid off!

How well do you feel you were informed by the program about your access rights when accompanied by your guide dog?: Great.

How challenging did you find the training?: I was ready for the trainning from all the walking and running I was doing. It was not very challening for me.

How much did you feel that your thoughts and concerns were respected and taken into consideration?: I htought they took my thoughts and feelings into great consideration with giving me extra trainning time to work on pace with the dog, and questions I had.

Did you feel that you were treated unfairly or differently because of your visual impairment or additional disability?: I thought I was treated great with being VI and HI.They used my FM system wonderfully!

What was the best feature of this training experience?: the food-they had many slections to choose from and you could call in your order for the day dog, san fran. the support and staff, the music room and library and workout room

What would you like to be changed, improved or added to the training experience?: single rooms, more trainning time on weekends

Other comments: ------------------------------

*** Which guide dog program did you attend?: Guide Dogs for the Blind, San Rafael

What year did you attend this program?: 2001

Was this your first guide dog?: Yes

How well do you feel the guide dog you were matched with fit your needs?: Perfectly.

How satisfied were you with the level of skill your dog had when you received him or her?: Highly satisfied. I had hoped she would know how to find seats, but I taught her this later.

How well did training at the program prepare you for the types of travel you would be doing in your regular routine: Quite well. My environment was more rural than most of teh routes we did at GDB, but she handled everything jsut fine.

How well do you feel the program did at providing information about diet, exercise, grooming and general care?: Fairly well. I don't particularly like the food they feed, and the vet lecture caused those of use who'd chosen to use frontline to change our minds and use Advantage instead. As a result, my dog got a tic. I think the vet should have given advice that was more specifically tailored to different geographic regions. It is not a good idea for dogs here to only use a tic collar rather than the topical. Other than those two issues, the instruction was very thorough.

How well do you feel you were informed by the program about your access rights when accompanied by your guide dog?: They did this very well.

How challenging did you find the training?: Fairly challenging.

How much did you feel that your thoughts and concerns were respected and taken into consideration?: I did not have problems with this in training.

Did you feel that you were treated unfairly or differently because of your visual impairment or additional disability?: No.

What was the best feature of this training experience?: All of the dog matches in our class were absolutely perfect.

What would you like to be changed, improved or added to the training experience?: GDB has made numerous improvements since I was there. They now incorporate clicker training, which they use to teach the handler to teach the dog to find a seat. I don't really have issues with the training experience. I did like the fact that we always were in control of our dogs, unlike at other schools, where instructors use the leash for the first few workouts.

Other comments: I will not be returning because of GDB's post-training policies. These are important considerations when choosing a school--it's kind of like you're getting inlaws for eight to ten years, so you want to make sure you can live with them. In particular, I felt micromanaged at times. ------------------------------

*** Which guide dog program did you attend?: GDB in San Rafael, California

What year did you attend this program?: 2002

Was this your first guide dog?: No

How well do you feel the guide dog you were matched with fit your needs?: Perfectly!

How satisfied were you with the level of skill your dog had when you received him or her?: Completely satisfied

How well did training at the program prepare you for the types of travel you would be doing in your regular routine: Very well. It covered big city, light rail, and even sidwalkless, all things that are common in my urban area.

How well do you feel the program did at providing information about diet, exercise, grooming and general care?: Very well. We were each told the exact needs of our particular dog, and given a medical history up to date at the time we received the dog.

How well do you feel you were informed by the program about your access rights when accompanied by your guide dog?: We were thoroughly told about guide dog laws for our particular state and given a copy of that law in a card form that we could easily carry with us at all times.

How challenging did you find the training?: Challenging, but nothing unexpected or at all unreasonable.

How much did you feel that your thoughts and concerns were respected and taken into consideration?: Very much so. GDB has improved amazingly at this since the first time I went there in 1988.

Did you feel that you were treated unfairly or differently because of your visual impairment or additional disability?: I do not have an additional disability other than blindness.

What was the best feature of this training experience?: The variety of the training that is provided.

What would you like to be changed, improved or added to the training experience?: Nothing that I can think of.

Other comments: ------------------------------ *** Which guide dog program did you attend?: The Seeing Eye Inc.

What year did you attend this program?: 2002

Was this your first guide dog?: No

How well do you feel the guide dog you were matched with fit your needs?: Extremely well

How satisfied were you with the level of skill your dog had when you received him or her?: Very satisfied

How well did training at the program prepare you for the types of travel you would be doing in your regular routine: Very well.

How well do you feel the program did at providing information about diet, exercise, grooming and general care?: Terrible. The school did not discuss topics such as the different feeding styles-raw diet, human graid, and feed graid--or what to look for when choosing a new diet for your dog.

How well do you feel you were informed by the program about your access rights when accompanied by your guide dog?: Very well.

How challenging did you find the training?: Challenging, but not overly so.

How much did you feel that your thoughts and concerns were respected and taken into consideration?: I felt that the school took some of my thoughts and concerns into consideration, but I felt I ould have been taken more seriously at times.

Did you feel that you were treated unfairly or differently because of your visual impairment or additional disability?: No.

What was the best feature of this training experience?: the training was flexible and allowed me to travel routes and o things that were more like the things I would be doing once I came home.

What would you like to be changed, improved or added to the training experience?: More discussion on grooming and dietary needs.

Other comments:

*** Which guide dog program did you attend?: Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation

What year did you attend this program?: 2004

Was this your first guide dog?: Yes

How well do you feel the guide dog you were matched with fit your needs?: Very well.

How satisfied were you with the level of skill your dog had when you received him or her?: Extremely satisfied. The first time I walked with her, I was astonished at her memory and ability to guide me safely.

How well did training at the program prepare you for the types of travel you would be doing in your regular routine: Fidelco places dogs in the client's community, so we worked on routes I'd be using daily.

How well do you feel the program did at providing information about diet, exercise, grooming and general care?: Fidelco provided me with a great deal of information concerning general care, grooming, diet, and exercise. They also are always there if I ever have a question concerning the health of my dog.

How well do you feel you were informed by the program about your access rights when accompanied by your guide dog?: My instructor went over the law book that issued to us when we receive our dogs.

How challenging did you find the training?: The training was not challenging to me; however, the most challenging part was keeping the dog on leash at all times for 1 week. I have 2 cats, and the dog liked to chase the cat. I bet I lost 5 lbs when I was in training because because I could only eat finger food. If the dog decided to chase, out of my hands the food would go if I couldn't put it down quick enough.

How much did you feel that your thoughts and concerns were respected and taken into consideration?: Fidelco's insructors were great at taking my thoughts/concerns into consideration. The're like my family, even now.

Did you feel that you were treated unfairly or differently because of your visual impairment or additional disability?: No, absolutely not!

What was the best feature of this training experience?: in-community training. I liked the fact i could go to class with my guide dog at my local university, and the instructor was there to resolve any problems I might have.

What would you like to be changed, improved or added to the training experience?: Nothing, everything was wonderful!!

Other comments: ------------------------------

*** Which guide dog program did you attend?: Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation

What year did you attend this program?: 2004

Was this your first guide dog?: Yes

How well do you feel the guide dog you were matched with fit your needs?: Extremely well.

How satisfied were you with the level of skill your dog had when you received him or her?: Extremely satisfied

How well did training at the program prepare you for the types of travel you would be doing in your regular routine: Very well. Fidelco is a home-training program so I had the chance to train during my daily routine.

How well do you feel the program did at providing information about diet, exercise, grooming and general care?: Very well

How well do you feel you were informed by the program about your access rights when accompanied by your guide dog?: Very well.

How challenging did you find the training?: Extremely challenging but well worth it.

How much did you feel that your thoughts and concerns were respected and taken into consideration?: My thoughts/concerns were and still are taken into consideration as far as Fidelco is concerned. They're like a family to me.

Did you feel that you were treated unfairly or differently because of your visual impairment or additional disability?: no.

What was the best feature of this training experience?: the in-community training itself.

What would you like to be changed, improved or added to the training experience?: nothing. It is wonderful as it is!

Other comments: ------------------------------

*** Which guide dog program did you attend?: Guidint Eyes for The Blind

What year did you attend this program?: August 2006

Was this your first guide dog?: NO

How well do you feel the guide dog you were matched with fit your needs?: EXCELLENT MATCH: I needed a dog with a moderate pace & pull, dog that was very confident in city (including bus & subway work), a dog very good with children and adults and dog that lets things roll off its shoulders.

I also love a dog with a "touch of imp" and can entertain him/herself, and adjust quickly to living in a multi-dog home.

I got all of this and MORE with Jack.

How satisfied were you with the level of skill your dog had when you received him or her?: Very Satisfied.

How well did training at the program prepare you for the types of travel you would be doing in your regular routine:

How well do you feel the program did at providing information about diet, exercise, grooming and general care?: Very satisfied with information about grooming and general care. Do feel guide dog schools give better information about diet (other than warnings about treats- and guidelines for how much our dogs should weigh) and exercise.

Info of diet that would be most helpful is if we change foods what we should be looking for in dog foods (protein, fat, moisture, calorie content as well as good ingredients- how to interpret the labels of food) Don't think enough is done in terms of exercise info. Working a dog isnt always enough exercise-

How to balance what the dog eats to how much exercise he/she is getting.

How well do you feel you were informed by the program about your access rights when accompanied by your guide dog?: I went into training- seasoned guide dog handler and have done alot of advocy over the years. Do feel the trainers were very good at explaining access rights to classmates.

How challenging did you find the training?: Felt the level of challenges i faced in training were very appropriate for my travel and handling skills.

I did part of my training in class and rest at home. In class training moved at an excellerated pace- so toward the end of in-class training, trainer & i were discussing what we were going to do. Trainer asked me what i needed or wanted to accomplish that day and we based our trips on information i gave him.

The at home training was MY Responsibility- planned out the routes, skills etc that we were going to accomplish each day and trip out.

How much did you feel that your thoughts and concerns were respected and taken into consideration?: Felt my thoughts and concerns were taken seriously.

Did you feel that you were treated unfairly or differently because of your visual impairment or additional disability?: Never treated unfairly.

I do have additional health considerations. I specifically requested we start working with my dog to defer to ramps and curb cuts (when there is a choice) THis was done.

What was the best feature of this training experience?: GEB Treats folks with dignity & respect. Individual attention was given to students needing (or requesting to resolve problems)

Current leadership (Director and Assistant Director of training) are available to grads both in class and once we get home.

Overall training and calibor of dogs being placed adds to this the possitive aspects of the school.

What would you like to be changed, improved or added to the training experience?: As i said earlier, would like to see better diet & exercise info for our dogs added to the program.

Can't think of anything off top of my head Other comments: In my 30 years of guide dog use (6 dogs) I had one dog that did not work out. Training staff were incredibly supportive.

Staff have always treated folks with dignity and respect. Am impressed with level of patients staff have More impressed with how well staff know the dogs they have trained, how well they listen if a problem occurs and how on target suggestions are for managing those problems.

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