[NAGDU] Choosing the Appropriate Guide Dog School

[David Bouchard]

Great questions, Aleeha! These are my thoughts so far. 
1. I can definitely see the benefits of owning the dog outright. But I would be curious as to how often a dog is repossessed, and generally, for what reasons. Also, I wonder if there may be other differences in attitudes from trainers and staff towards students between schools where you own the dog, and schools where you don't. I expect to be treated as a responsible adult.  
2. I may need veterinary assistance in the short term, but once I find full-time employment, it may not be as much of an issue. How much does it usually cost annually for average vet care, or does it depend on the dog and its lifestyle?
3. Right now, my schedule is very open, but I can't justify turning down a work opportunity if it comes up within the next few months, which could affect my availability. So perhaps I should get my dog sooner rather than later before I get busier again. 
4. I am not picky about gender or breed, but rather on the dog's skills, strengths, and weaknesses. I need a dog ready to work wherever and whenever, walking several miles throughout the day. The dog also needs to be able to walk very fast through busy city streets. I need a guide dog school who will best be able to match me with a dog who I can work well with over the course of its service. How do the schools differ in their O&M assessments? 

5. I'm still learning the pros and cons between the two methods. Clicker and treat based training sounds like it has some potential, but I'd like to hear from people who've experienced both methods. Why do you prefer the method you use?
6. What types of follow-up services are offered?
7. What are the benefits of contact with the raisers? Also, how do the different schools place the puppies, and what are the requirements for raisers? 
Thanks!
David   
Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 16, 2017, at 1:45 PM, Aleeha Dudley <blindcowgirl1993 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi David,
> 
> You are right: there is a lot that goes into your choice of guide dog training program. A lot of folks will tell you that one school is better because of this or that quality, but it really comes down to what you want. I've listed some examples below, but I'm sure other list members will have more. 
> 1. Do you want full ownership of your dog upon graduation from the program? Some schools will make you wait for a year or two, and a couple will give full ownership upon graduation from the program. Some schools have been known to list in their contracts that they can repossess the dog at any time for any reason. This is why I, personally, chose The Seeing Eye over others.
> 
> 2. Do you need a veterinary assistance program? Some schools offer this, but they are generally not the ones that offer full ownership upon graduating. 
> 3. Do you have time constraints? The length of a program varies from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on school. Schools usually cover transportation and meals, but if your work schedule won't permit 3 and a half weeks' leave, it's something to consider. 
> 4. Are you picky as to what dog you want? Most schools train labs, lab/golden crosses, and golden retrievers. Most won't give a poodle to someone without a legit medical reason, and there are only a couple of schools who don't have long waiting lists for German shepherds. Keep in mind that, if you want to be specific on the breed or gender, you may wait a little longer for that dog than if you were not specific. 
> 5. Do you want treat or praise based training? Many schools are going to treats as a primary reinforcer for good behavior, but some people, like myself, prefer more traditional methods of training. 
> 6. How good is the follow-up from the school? Will they come visit you if needed? 
> 7. Do you want puppy raiser contact? The Seeing Eye does not allow this, although some people have gotten around it. 
> These are just a few things to consider. I hope it helps.
> 
> Aleeha and Whitley 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Sep 16, 2017, at 3:12 PM, David Bouchard via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi everyone,
>> I have been travelling with a cane all of my life, but recently had the chance to try a dog out on a group tour of Guide Dogs for the Blind, and was pretty much sold on it because of the fluidity of movement I experienced with the dog, and the potential for the dog to find certain things like chairs and doors. Now I need to decide which guide dog school to pursue. I live in Portland, OR, and while GOODB seems to be a good fit based on my initial impression, I am aware that there is considerable controversy about which school provides the best dog, and also what training methods are best. What factors did you consider when making your  decision on an appropriate school? I am also considering the Seeing Eye as an option, and am open to other possibilities. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you.
>> David 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
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