[nagdu] Age of Qualifying Guide Dogs

[Shanna Stichler]

My program dogs ranged in age from 19 to 23 months at the time I 
received them. Ironically, my best program dog was the youngest, but she 
was just an exceptionally nice dog in general.

I chose to owner-train my current guide, and she was what I would 
consider class-ready at around 15 months of age. She did have a bit of 
maturing/finishing to do, but by 15 months she knew all the guidework 
fundamentals. I didn't seek a private trainer, so while I can't speak to 
how much it would cost to hire one, I will say that my own expenses came 
out to around $10,000 by the time I was finished training my dog. That 
figure varies though depending on where the dog comes from, if you can 
make your own gear, what health testing you do, and etc.

I hope this helps answer your questions a bit.

Best,
Shanna


On 9/22/2014 2:25 PM, Leye-Shprintse Öberg via nagdu wrote:
> BS"D
>
> Debby,
>
> In Sweden, the guide dogs qualify between the age of 2 and 3 years old depending on how mature the dog in question is. Personally, I think it's best for both the dog and the handler. I got Hera when she was 25 months and 2 days old; I wouldn't want to get her when she was 18 months since she was still immature when I got her.
>
> LeSholom,
> Leye-Shprintse and Hera
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