[nagdu] [NAGDU] ownership RE: Guide Dog Schools
Star Gazer
pickrellrebecca at gmail.com
Fri Nov 1 13:06:41 UTC 2013
Yes, without ownership schools can and do take dogs back without due
process. You don't need dueprocess when you don't own something. It's like
if I lent you my couch, I could come get it whenever I liked. It works that
way with schools that don't do ownership.
-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Larry D. Keeler
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2013 9:01 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] [NAGDU] ownership RE: Guide Dog Schools
Mark, its also to prevent schools from making snap decissions about when to
take your dog from you. Also, its a matter of pride. You own your dog! But
the some schools will still work with you. We as the consumers of the
schools need protection from folks wanting to take our dogs for whatever
reason they feel like coming up with! We also need to hold them accountible
for decissions they feel they make on our behalf whether we know about them
or not!
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike" <blinkin4342 at gmail.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2013 7:20 AM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] [NAGDU] ownership RE: Guide Dog Schools
>A lot of time and money gets infested into producing a guide dog. Its
>silly to try and pressure companies into giving complete ownership to
>the handler. If it doesn't work out in six months or a year or even two
>then, depending on reason, that dog could go back to the company and
>eventually go help someone else.
> Why turn such an investment into someone's pet when it could be so
>much more for someone else.
> I personally don't agree with the bill of rights. People should just
>understand their school of choice. Its not our decision. Its theirs as
>a business. If we as consumers don't like it then we have other
>schools to pick from.
> If i ran a school id probably do the same thing. Its protecting an
>investment and smaller schools cant afford to hand out pets.
> JMO
>
> Mike
>
>> On Oct 31, 2013, at 9:45 PM, "Michael Hingson"
>> <info at michaelhingson.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Hannah,
>>
>> The problem is that what we define as full ownership is not what the
>> schools usually mean. The Seeing Eye is an organization that
>> provides ownership.
>> I
>> am not as familiar with Pilot, but Chantel indicates that Pilot also
>> does give ownership.
>>
>> Other schools have different contracts that may or may not grant full
>> ownership, and that may require that if a guide retires within some
>> length of time the school may demand that the guide be returned for
>> retraining or for some other purpose. NAGDU has passed resolutions
>> calling on all schools to provide full ownership of guide dogs upon
>> graduation, and that same position is stated in NAGDU's Guide Dog
>> Consumer Bill of Rights. Most guide dog schools are living in the
>> past and are as a result paternalistic to one degree or another.
>> They do not see the tide of aware consumers which is turning against
>> them and which is demanding the same rights given to other citizens
>> in other training situations.
>>
>>
>> Best,
>>
>>
>> Michael Hingson
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Hannah
>> Chadwick
>> Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2013 7:22 PM
>> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
>> Subject: [nagdu] ownership RE: Guide Dog Schools
>>
>> Chantel,
>> Thank you for the correction.
>> Can someone please define complete ownership when it comes to guide dogs?
>> I
>> mean, if we get complete ownership, then doesn't that mean I'd get to
>> keep the dog no matter the age when that dog stops working? I'm just
>> curious since I was told that I had to send my dog back to the school
>> because she didn't work out but she was only 3.
>> Thank you, hannah
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Chantel
>> Cuddemi
>> Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2013 7:08 PM
>> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Schools
>>
>> Hanna,
>>
>> Pilot Dogs gives us graduates full ownership of our dogs upon
>> graduation from the program.
>>
>> Hope that helped,
>>
>> Chantel and Motley of Pilot Dogs.
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Hannah
>> Chadwick
>> Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2013 7:56 PM
>> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Schools
>>
>> Yes, GDB can provide more financial help if needed. I think that
>> larger schools tend to have more follow-up services because they have
>> more funds as well as trainers. I don't think Pilot gives complete
>> ownership, but I could be wrong since that wasn't one of my concerns
>> when I applied. Pilot also trains boxers and Dobermans in addition
>> to what Raven mentioned.
>> On one hand I think that it is important to have a breed preference,
>> but on the other, I think it is the training that matters the most.
>> There are good things and bad things about every breed of dog. The
>> work you put in is what you will get out. The more effort you put
>> into your dog will mean more success with your team. When you get
>> your dog, please remember that the bonding process takes between 6
>> months and a year. As in my earlier email, please feel free to email
>> me off list if you want to know about Pilot or Guide Dogs for the
>> Blind.
>> Good luck, Hannah and Spritzie
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Raven Tolliver <ravend729 at gmail.com
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org Date sent: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 19:39:50 -0400
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Schools
>>
>> Hi,
>> I attended Guiding Eyes for the Blind primarily because I wanted an
>> adult dog. As a person who never owned or handled a dog before, I
>> thought it important to have a dog that was physically and mentally
>> mature, and had established mannerisms. I wanted a golden retriever,
>> and goldens and German shepherds have a better work ethic as adults.
>> This has been proven in studies of guide dog programs and service dog
>> programs.
>> I also chose GEB because of the financial assistance. Students are
>> allotted
>> $200 annually, and if your dog is 10 pounds within their target
>> weight, the student is given another $100. There is also an
>> emergency fund, but it can only be used once during a particular
>> dog's career. The GDB grads can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think
>> GDB gives more financial assistance than this. Grads from that
>> program can explain the logistics better.
>> As far as what breed of dog is best at guide work, that depends on
>> the person. I have always adored the gentle nature and laid-back
>> temperament of a golden, and I would not want to live with the high
>> energy and quirkiness of a typical labrador. German shepherds are
>> very serious about their work, but they have high energy
>> requirements.
>> All
>> three breeds are extremely loving, loyal and obedient if you bond
>> with them properly. All three breeds have double coats, so they both
>> shed a lot.
>> I
>> do not know as much about the other breeds put out by Pilot dogs, but
>> people have success with them, so you would have to ask the handlers
>> of poodles, dobermans, and Vieszlas.
>> You have to decide for yourself what you like or don't like in a dog.
>> And the personality is just as, if not more, important than breed.
>> Also, know that if you are picky about breed that it may take longer
>> to find you the right dog and get a class date. I was fortunate that
>> my golden was available so soon after I applied, but I knew that
>> being choosy might mean a longer wait.
>> To determine which school might be right for you, you should rate the
>> following factors by importance to you.
>> location of school, home-training program, special needs program,
>> cost of the program, length of program, financial assistance, follow
>> up services, ownership policy, training methods, choice to meet and
>> keep in touch with your dog's puppy-raisers, graduation ceremony,
>> breeds offered, life stage of dogs issued These are just what I can
>> think of for now, but there are more factors that others will bring
>> to your attention.
>> If ownership is important to you, the Seeing Eye, Pilot Dogs, or
>> Guide Dogs of America are options. If you don't understand why
>> ownership is important to some people, then I will explain upon
>> request, because it is a very serious issue that every service dog
>> handler should have proper understanding of.
>> If home-training is important to you this is offered by Fidelco,
>> Guiding Eyes, and a couple other programs. Guiding Eyes usually does
>> home-training with returning graduates, but they have been known to
>> approve it for first time trainees.
>> I would encourage you to complete your training with your first guide
>> dog at the school if it is at all possible and convenient for you.
>> The benefit is that you will not likely feel alone in the struggles
>> you will experience, and also, you can get great training and doggie
>> care tips from experienced guide dog handlers. In addition, you
>> could develop long standing relationships with other classmates,
>> which was a plus for me.
>> Good luck, and email me off list if you want to know more about my
>> Guiding Eyes experience.
>>
>>
>> On 10/31/13, Shickeytha Chandler <shickeytha at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Thank you all for your responses. I have actually been leaning
>> toward a lab or a golden because I have heard in the past that those
>> types of dogs are very loyal and have an even temperament. But at
>> the same time, I want to have an open mind and consider what other
>> types of dogs might have to offer. By the way, I love the names of
>> all three of your dogs. Great dog names!
>>
>> On 10/31/13, minh ha <minh.ha927 at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Hi Shickeytha,
>>
>> I want to echo what Hannah said in her email. I am working with my
>> first guide, Viva from Guide Dogs for the Blind on their Oregon
>> campus. As a college student, financial and post-graduation support
>> were the two most critical aspects that I was looking for in a guide
>> dog school. I felt like GDB provided both of these and I really
>> liked their positive training methods as well as the respectful way
>> they treat their handlers.
>> Regarding
>> the breed of dog, I think that ultimately needs to be your decision.
>> Each
>> individual has their preference and people are going to tell you
>> their choice is the best.
>> GDB only works with labs and golden retrievers. My girl is a lab and
>> I couldn't have asked for a better dog; she's extremely energetic and
>> playful, but she's an excellent worker once the harness goes on.
>>
>> Minh
>>
>> On 10/31/13, Chantel Cuddemi <jawsgirl87 at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Welcome to the list!
>>
>> I am working my first dog from Pilot Dogs, a standard poodle named
>> Motley!
>>
>> We've been a team for a year and eight months.
>>
>> Good luck with what school you choose!
>>
>> Chantel and Motley.
>>
>> On 10/31/13, Hannah Chadwick <sparklylicious at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Hey,
>> Welcome to the list. I'm working my second guide, Spritz. She is
>> from Guide Dogs for the Blind. She is a black lab; I got her over
>> the summer.
>> Since I'm a college student and having had a previous dog that was
>> very high-maintenance, I knew I would need financial assistance and
>> after support. Those were two of the major things I looked for when
>> I applied to schools. The training methods (positive vs negative)
>> used in schools also mattered to me. Of course which may vary on an
>> individual and team basis, but I've come to realize that food
>> rewards go a long way. My first dog was from Pilot because I wanted
>> a poodle, but she retired after almost a year.
>> My training experience at Pilot was good, but I wasn't as
>> experienced so I didn't have the necessary tools to manage such a
>> high-strung dog.
>> Please
>> email me off-list if you have further questions.
>> Good luck with the application process and all that.
>> Best, Hannah and Spritz
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Shickeytha Chandler <shickeytha at gmail.com
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org Date sent: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 14:08:20 -0400
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog Schools
>>
>> No problem. I understand that different people have different
>> experiences and perspectives, and I think it is important to
>> consider both positive and negative. Thanks.
>>
>> On 10/31/13, Mike <blinkin4342 at gmail.com> wrote:
>> As a Fidelco client I completely disagree with the statement that
>> Fidelco has contract issues. The issues are definitely personal and
>> not Fidelco's fault.
>> I have had nothing but good experiences with Fidelco over the last
>> three years and I know a lot of people who feel the same way. There
>> are a certain handful of folks on this list who have personal issues
>> with Fidelco and tend to be much louder than the people who have
>> good experiences.
>> You should definitely read the contract to make sure you are aware
>> of the rules. That is the case with any guy dog school. Just keep
>> an open mind.
>> Every school has good and bad things. Every school has someone who
>> loves them and hates them. I'd recommend that you decide what breed
>> you want, see what school meets your needs the best, and go forward
>> from there.
>>
>>
>> Mike
>>
>> On Oct 31, 2013, at 12:18 PM, "Larry D. Keeler"
>> <lkeeler at comcast.net
>> wrote:
>>
>> First, watch out for Fidelco! They have contract issues.
>> Before
>> you
>> decide, make sure you read and understand the contract. The other
>> thing, schools when possible do give you a choice. Now always can
>> they accomidate but usually they can. I went to Pilot because I
>> wanted a poodle. They breed them down there. However, I ended up
>> qith a labradoodle wich is almost as good! As for training at
>> school or at home, I think it would be more useful to train at hom.
>> But, if you know your neighborhood, it doesn't matter as much.
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Shickeytha Chandler"
>> <shickeytha at gmail.com
>> To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2013 11:44 AM
>> Subject: [nagdu] Guide Dog Schools
>>
>>
>> Hello all,
>>
>> I am new to the list. I currently travel with a cane, but am very
>> seriously considering getting a guide dog in the near future.
>> I
>> am
>> doing research on guide dog schools to see which might be best for me.
>> I am considering Fidelco, Guiding Eyes and the Seeing Eye.
>> Does
>> anyone
>> on this list have either particularly positive or especially
>> negative experiences with any of these schools? If so, I would be
>> interested to hear your feedback. Also, I noticed that Fidelco does
>> training at your residence, whereas the other schools bring you to
>> their campuses for training. I would like to hear perspectives
>> about the disadvantages and advantages of each of these methods of
training.
>>
>> Finally, I know that various types of dogs are trained as guides,
>> ranging from labs to German Shepherds. I would like to know if
>> schools give you a choice as to what type of dog you are paired with.
>> Also, I
>> would be interested to hear from anyone who has worked with dogs of
>> various kinds; I'd like to know your thoughts as to whether there
>> are distinct qualities that one breed possesses that another breed
>> does not generally possess. Of course, I am sure all dogs are
>> unique, even within a breed type.
>>
>> I know that is a lot of questions for one email. Thanks in advance
>> for any insight that you can provide.
>>
>> Shickeytha
>>
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>> --
>> "All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the
>> dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was
>> vanity:
>> but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on
>> their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible." T. E.
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>> --
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>>
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