[nagdu] Getting A Dog

Fri Oct 14 17:32:21 UTC 2011

Hi Julie,
Thank you for the advice. I'm planning to do a residential program, however
I'm only going to focus on the technology training, and I've spoken with the
program's director. I think the residential program won't really be much of
a change for me since I've been through bigger changes in my life.
I thought it be best for me to get a dog before the program begins since
I've been told again and again to settle down somewhere for at least six
months while I have my dog. Also I'm not sure where I want to go to college
so that's another negative factor on my part in getting a dog.
All the best, Hannah

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Julie J.
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2011 10:09 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Getting A Dog

Hannah,

When you say that you are going to attend a living skills program, are you
talking about residential training?  If so, it might be best to wait until
after your training is complete before getting a dog.  I say this for a few
reasons.

Getting a guide dog can be stressful, especially your first.  Attending
residential training is also a big change that can cause a lot of stress.  I
don't think it would be good for either you or the new dog to go through
that amount of stress.

Guide dogs and life skills training will both bring about big changes in
your life.  It takes time to integrate those changes into your life.  
I'd recommend one at a time to get the best effect from each.  And this from
the person who quit my job, got engaged and enrolled in graduate school all
in two days. *smile*  It can be done, but it's not easy or the best.

Also some of the residential programs have rules about using guide dogs.
Many of them incorporated white cane training as a core part of the
curriculum.  Since you can't learn cane travel while using a guide dog, they
ask that you not work the dog.  You may also be separated from the dog for
all or a portion of the day.  This is a hot topic on the list and I'm sure
others will weigh in.  I just wanted you to be aware of this before you made
any decisions.

Learning to better use the white cane will only benifit you when you
transition to working with a guide dog.  Most of cane training is really
orientation training.  it only takes 5 minutes to learn how to hold and move
the cane, but can take months or years to learn how to get places safely.
When you go to guide dog school they will teach you how to work the dog, but
you still need to know where you are going so you can give clear directions.
I hope that makes sense.

I think life skills training is a valuable experience. Not everyone has the
opportunity.

All my best,
Julie

On 10/14/2011 11:31 AM, Hannah Chadwick wrote:
> Thank you Julie, Lary, Cheryl and everyone else for helping and 
> providing insightful info; it is definitely appreciated.
> The process took over six months when I applied and that was when I 
> was in my last year of high school. I don't think I have as much time 
> now because I'm going to start college in the fall of 2012 and I'm 
> also planning to do a living skills program between now and college.
> The list of questions you've provided Julie is definitely helpful. 
> It'll give me something to think over.
> I've heard that Seeing Eye and Guide Dogs for the Blind are two of the 
> best schools in the country but I'm sure it all depends on personal
preference.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On 
> Behalf Of Julie J.
> Sent: Friday, October 14, 2011 9:07 AM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Getting A Dog
>
> Hannah,
>
> I've never attended a guide dog program.  I understand, though, that a 
> year is about the max length of time they will hold an application.
> After that it's pretty much like reapplying since so much time has 
> passed and things tend to change.  I wouldn't worry because they are 
> reevaluating your application.  That is the routine procedure.
>
> When you say that you travel a lot, are you talking month long trips 
> to Europe, weekend trips to Grandma's, short seminars for work and how 
> frequently do you travel?  I don't think going off to take a European 
> vacation two months after getting your first guide dog is going to 
> work out real well.  A few weekends with family shouldn't be too much 
> of a problem though.  The dog will need quite a bit of stability and 
> routine for the first few months in a new home, with a new person 
> under new working conditions.  It's a lot of changes for a new guide 
> dog.  The more structure you can provide, the better.
>
> That said, I don't think any guide dog program expects you to stay at 
> home and do nothing for the first six months.  People have jobs, lives 
> and families.  Stuff happens and the dog needs to be able to roll with 
> it.  It also depends on your particular dog.  Some can handle more 
> change than others.  This is something you'll need to be sure to make 
> clear to your program so they can match you with a more flexible dog.
>
> Okay now for choosing a program...you mentioned you don't know what is 
> important to you because this is your first dog.  Here are  some 
> questions you might want to ask yourself.
> How far am I willing to travel to attend guide dog training?
> Am I willing to accept any breed of dog?
> If I have a breed preference does this school have that type of dog?
> Do I want or need home training or combination home and away training?
> How long do I have to be away from home at guide dog school?
> Do I have that much vacation time from work, or can I make 
> arrangements to be away for that long?
> How long am I willing to wait to begin training? Is this program's 
> waiting list longer than that?
> Do I need to attend during a particular time of year, like in the 
> summer because of school and will this program work with me on that?
> Do I have dietary or medical needs that cannot be accommodated at this 
> program?
> Is ownership important to me?  Does this program grant ownership?
> What sort of follow up services might I need?  What is follow up like 
> from this program?
> What skills do I need my dog to have beyond the basics provided at all 
> programs, escalators, find, follow, leash guiding, step refusal, 
> additional tasks for another disability?
> Can I afford to pay a fee for the dog or purchase transportation to 
> and from the school if that is necessary?
> Am I willing to pay for transportation to the school?
> Do I want to know or meet the puppy raisers?  Is that allowed, 
> expected or encouraged at this program?
>
> That is probably overwhelming to you, so I'll stop.  Please don't feel 
> that I'm asking you to answer any of that on list.  I just wanted to 
> toss out some things as food for thought.  Perhaps it will help you 
> figure out which program best fits what you want.
>
> all my best,
> Julie
>
>
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