[nagdu] Guide Dogs of America

Mon Jan 11 12:15:01 UTC 2010

Thanks!  It's a small school and rarely comes up on the list.  I admit I 
know nothing about GDA.  So if the people who have GDA guides would like to 
share on list I would love to read about your experiences too.

Julie

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Linda Gwizdak" <linda.gwizdak at cox.net>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, January 11, 2010 1:08 AM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dogs of America

> 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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>>
>>
>>
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>
>
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