[nagdu] Guide dog Schools

[Robert Hooper]

Hello:

I have not yet been to a guide dog school, but I was recently accepted into the Seeing Eye, and have a class date for July 23. One of my many concerns is regarding a topic addressed in the below email--adjustment and life immediately pursuant to training. My friends and family have thus far expressed nothing more than support for my decision and for that I am relieved and grateful. I will be living in an apartment this upcoming school year and my roommate is also enthusiastic about my decision. So, for those of you who have already come out on the other side of training, what is life like immediately afterward? I am aware of how my priorities and personal responsibilities change--I'm just wondering about the social aspects and adjustments. What adjustments must I make, my friends and family make, etc? Of course, I am aware that these questions can be both exhausting and exhaustive, and vastly different in detail for each of us, and I don't expect an exact answer precisely fitted to my specific circumstances. However, I would appreciate any answers given, and, despite my previous silence on the list, I have found it to be a reassuring foundation and the provider of some helpful thoughts and perspectives. I am grateful that I found this list and plan on learning much from its members in the future.
Thanks,
Robert Hooper
Hooper.90 at buckeyemail.osu.edu
The Ohio State University
553 Morrill Tower
1900 Cannon Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43210
(740) 856-8195


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of PICKRELL, REBECCA M (TASC)
Sent: Monday, July 11, 2011 12:32 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guidedog Schools

Also, you'll have a lot to do adjusting to the new dog and the new dog adjusting to you once class is over. 
I say this because while you can still go home and hang with your friends, getting a dog isn't like "Pop out cane, insert dog" with no transition time.  You will be going from one mobility device to a very different mobility device.  You will need to adjust physically and emotionally. The dog will do the same.  And, your friends will also need to adjust. Some will, some won't, and some will act, say and feel one way, only for you both to discover something else entirely. 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Cindy Ray
Sent: Monday, July 11, 2011 12:12 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guidedog Schools

I don't think any of the programs would take up your whole summer, but I do think most of them require you to do about four weeks if you are new. I went to The Seeing Eye; I truly love the program there, but most of us are going to say that about our school. I think generally you can get in more quickly  if you are not specific about gender and/or breed. If you want contact with the puppy raisers, The Seeing Eye does not allow for that. Class sizes are around 18-24 I think, and each of the instructors has 4-6. They do a few night trips with the dogs if you want, but it isn't generally done. They won't allow you to go off their campus alone with the dog. I guess I don't know what else to I never heard of the school you mentioned.

Cindy
say.



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