[nagdu] Guide Dogs of America

Mon Jan 11 07:08:52 UTC 2010

Julie,
I was a graduate of GDA in 1990.  I know two people here in San Diego who 
have GDA dogs and they are happy with their dogs and the school. I know 
there are some listers who have GDA dogs - hey guys, talk to Jessica! 
(grin!)

Lyn and Landon
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Julie J" <julielj at windstream.net>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, January 10, 2010 1:58 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dogs of America

> Jessica,
>
> Holy cow! You've had some insane dogs.  I agree biting is way over the 
> line in what is acceptable.   Boxers are by nature very high energy, so I 
> doubt it was just that particular one.  But biting, I absolutely could not 
> deal with.
> I hope GDA is just what you are looking for.  I don't know of anyone who 
> has gotten a dog from there.  Could you ask them to put you in touch with 
> a graduate?  That seems reasonable to me.
> Hopefully there is someone on the list who will be able to provide more 
> info.
>
> Julie
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Cindy Ray" <cindyray at qwest.net>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Sunday, January 10, 2010 3:02 PM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dogs of America
>
>
>> Some of the questions, of course, are relevant only for information. For
>> instance, I know that my school does most if not all of what you are 
>> asking
>> and does have set commands. But as for dog/cat distractions,they are
>> something that I am continually having to work on with the dog. If they 
>> get
>> serious, I may need to have them send someone out to help me. There is
>> always the potential for a bad match. What policy does Guide Dogs of 
>> America
>> have on ownership? Is there a fee? Where do they get their support? Those
>> are more questions that could be of importance. Do they have their own 
>> stock
>> or do they get the dogs in other places? Not sure why GDB would be too 
>> big.
>> They have two campuses, but the class size would be similar, or are you 
>> just
>> concerned about paper pushing and the like? Just curious. I think it is 
>> good
>> to ask questions.
>>
>> Cindy Lou
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Jessica Pitzer" <rolosgirl at gmail.com>
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Sunday, January 10, 2010 2:37 PM
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dogs of America
>>
>>
>> No, I received my first and second dogs from pilot dogs. I choose not
>> to return because when I went their the first time I had a dog that
>> continuously bit my hands and arms and was not controllable, then I
>> got a chocolate lab who developed a skin disorder, and chased our cats
>> and in working when she saw a cat or dog she'd lunge, and then stop
>> working altogether. Then I got a boxer who had horrible behavior,
>> biting, and way way to much energy so have decided a better school
>> with a better reputation would be good for me. GDA tells me they have
>> kennel cats test the dogs with cats, do intelligence disobedience,
>> more in the matching process, etc. all of which Pilot didn't do.
>> I just wanted to know the answers to those questins for general info
>> and to get others experiences. I also wanted a school that wasn't
>> across country so being near seattle, that gave me GDB, GDDI and GDA,
>> GDB is jsut to big for my liking, GDDI had a 2 year waiting list and
>> when I called GDA, Andi was so nice, and helpful it just seemed the
>> perfect place.
>> Jessica
>>
>> On 1/10/10, Cindy Ray <cindyray at qwest.net> wrote:
>>> Is this your first dog? If not, where have you gotten dogs before?
>>>
>>> Cindy Lou
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Jessica Pitzer" <rolosgirl at gmail.com>
>>> To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Sunday, January 10, 2010 1:24 PM
>>> Subject: [nagdu] Guide Dogs of America
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi,
>>> I'm wondering if there is any GDA graduates amongst us.
>>> If so, I have questions.
>>> You can either answer here or send me a private email, or add me to
>>> msn at rolosgirl at gmail.com
>>> 1. Did you keep a blog of your experiences.
>>> 2. Does your dog have any issues with cats?
>>> 3. Can you describe your harness, AKA how it releases the belly strap,
>>> any reflectors, how the handle connects, etc.?
>>> 4. What did you like and dislike about the school?
>>> 5. How long did you wait to get in?
>>> 6. Did you feel your dog was a good match?
>>> 7. Any recommendations for going there?
>>> 8. Can you give me an overview of the facilities, common areas, rooms,
>>> etc.?
>>> 9. Can you describe to me what happens from when you get there until
>>> you get the dog?
>>> 10. Can you describe dog day to me and how they introduce the dog to
>>> you, what happens after that up until your first work out?
>>> 11. Are there any hallmarks of the program, AKA visits to specific
>>> places that always happen?
>>> 12. Was your dog well trained in all types of environments?
>>> 13. How does your dog do with food distractions?
>>> 14. How about cat/dog distractions?
>>> 15. What all commands are used.
>>> 16. How is your dog at home? Do you use a crate, tie down, both?
>>> If I think of more questions I'll post them but these are the ones i
>>> have right now.
>>> I'm doing the application process now, hoping for an April or July
>>> class. I've asked for a female yellow lab, we'll see!
>>> Jessica
>>>
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>>
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>
>
>
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