[nagdu] researching programs

[Julie J]

Mark,

Others have addressed the ownership issue very well already. As to what 
breeds make the best guides...well, I suppose it depends on who you ask. 
*smile*  Statistically speaking Labrador retrievers make the best guides or 
at least the most people use them with success.  Next most common are Golden 
Retrievers and German shepherds, although shepherds are becoming few and far 
between.  My personal opinion is that this is due to the large difference 
between American bred shepherds vs, the European lines.  there are also 
other breeds and crosses of dogs being used as guides like Poodles, Doberman 
Pinchers, Collies, Vislas and my favorite the Boxer!

What breed of dog is best really depends on the individual, the particular 
dog, the environment and how well the human and canine work together.  I 
have a Boxer mix right now.  We work very well together, but I think that is 
because we are both exceedingly stubborn.  I think he would drive a lot of 
other people absolutely crazy.

As to the paperwork issue...some of the programs require that you fill out 
yearly reports.  I can't remember which ones off the top of my head.  I 
think most will request that you keep them updated on the dog's health and 
the success of the team and when the dog retires.  They want to improve 
their breeding program and the success of future teams.  If something 
hereditary can be identified through these reports, it makes the breeding 
and/or training program that much stronger.

HTH
Julie




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark J. Cadigan" <kramc11 at gmail.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, February 13, 2010 11:50 AM
Subject: [nagdu] researching programs


> Julie,
> I also love making lists! I have a few questions for you and the list in 
> general. What's the benefit of ownership of the dog verses if the program 
> retains ownership? I hate paperwork with a passion! How best to avoid this 
> seemingly useless task. I like German shepherds, but that is just a 
> preference based on nothing concrete. What breeds of dogs make the best 
> guides?
>
>
>
>
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