[nagdu] comparing schools

Sun Feb 14 20:06:50 UTC 2010

Gary is right.  Look at many aspects of a variety of schools.  Guide Dogs
for the Blind, for example, has greatly reorganized its training structure
to provide more one on one training and smaller classes in general.  Also,
the school has renovated its dog training process with an eye on producing
better teams.

Fidelco provides in-home training in the North East and uses still, I
believe, only German Shepards.

On the surface schools may appear the same, but good research will show that
there are, in fact, interesting differences.

The ownership issue is an importang one.  Ultimately, I prefer a school
which will give ownership.  Whether or not the school offers it immediately
or a bit later is still a point of discussion.  However, the fact that some
schools do provide ownership shows progress in their thinking about blind
students they serve.

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-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Gary
Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2010 9:44 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] researching programs

Hi mark:

I have two ccomments on this topic. First, you mention you think you will go
to seeing eye because they are close and give ownership. These are certainly
good reasons to pick  a school but I would recommend that you do some
research on all the other schools, especially the ones that are relatively
close to you, to learn more about how the programs are similar and how they
differ. This takes a bit of time and reading so  is something that might be
better done at a less busy time in your spring for sure. :) 

With regards to ownership, I agree that  we should get to own the dogs upon
graduation, or shortly there after. In talking to some schools that offer
ownership after a year or two, they say the main reason they like this set
up is in case the team doesn't work out for a variety of reasons. It makes
the return of the dog an easier process. Myself, since I am waiting for a
poodle, have much fewer schools to choose from. Right now I am waiting to
hear if they will have a match for me at Canine Vision Canada for their May
class. I have decided that, although they retain ownership of the dog, I
will go to this program. However, I will take opportunities to share with
their executive director my thoughts  on this matter in hope that they will
come to change their policy in the future.

Just my thoughts. Good luck on your search for an appropriate school and
with all your current projects.

Gary

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Marion & Martin
Sent: Saturday, February 13, 2010 1:36 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] researching programs

Mark,
    Well, you touch on one of my favorite topics - Ownership! I believe the 
school should transfer ownership to the graduate upon graduation. There may 
be extenuating circumstances because we are dealing with human nature, but I

believe this should be the exception rather than a pre-arranged contractual 
agreement. If blind people have the right to care for their own children 
without fear of social interference, I believe we also have the ability to 
care for a dog! I have never heard a negative argument that could not be 
overcome by an affirmative one. There is no evidence to suggest that a blind

person is more likely to have unhealthy dogs. In fact, I believe we are 
generally held to a higher standard! The Seeing Eye has always had an 
ownership upon graduation policy and it seems to work quite well!
    I know of too many instances in which schools have unduly interfered 
with a handler's rights with respect to their dog, using threats and 
intimidation. I even disagree with the retention of ownership of the gear. 
It's just one more controlling string to hold over someone's head. I have my

own harnesses. No one can take them away from me!
    My soapbox is getting a little rickety, so I need to dust off the top 
and make a few repairs, and bring up the subject again! I hope more and more

people would speak up by choosing schools that have more respectful 
policies. Anything less is coustodial!

Fraternally yours,
marion Gwizdala

argument - one that could not be overcome with evidence-based
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark J. Cadigan" <kramc11 at gmail.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, February 13, 2010 12:50 PM
Subject: [nagdu] researching programs

> Julie,
> I also love making lists! I have a few questions for you and the list in 
> general. What's the benefit of ownership of the dog verses if the program 
> retains ownership? I hate paperwork with a passion! How best to avoid this

> seemingly useless task. I like German shepherds, but that is just a 
> preference based on nothing concrete. What breeds of dogs make the best 
> guides?
>
>
>
>
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