Training guide dogs to help blind
If you have ever seen guide dogs for the blind you may be wondering how they were trained. Training guide dogs is a meticulous, repetitive, and often challenging process. This process can be made easier, however, with appropriate knowledge, positive attitude, and patience. In this article you will learn more about how guide dogs are trained and how those with visual impairments can request a guide dog.

How do guide dogs provide assistance to those that are blind or visually impaired?

Guide dogs provide a sense of freedom and independence in those who have a visual impairment or are blind. The guide dogs give their handlers the ability to participate and enjoy many activities that they would have otherwise been unable to enjoy. Things that were once unimaginable like unescorted trips to the mall or walking down a city street will become true after the guide dog comes to the rescue of these people. Some of the tasks which guide dogs execute to h elp their handlers include navigating traffic, identifying curbs and steps and avoiding obstacles. The handler provides the dog with directional commands to get to the desired destination, while the guide dog ens ures the pair's safe passage. The guide dog is trained to alert the handler to danger and will disobey a command if he or she believes it is unsafe.

How are guide dogs trained?

Guide dog training is a meticulous and time consuming process. The guide dogs undergo rigorous training which at times can frustrate both the trainer and guide dog. It is customary that guide dogs are bred with the idea of making pups into guides. Some common breeds include German Shepards, Labrador, Golden Retrievers and other large dogs.

Initially pups are left with families who raise the pups . During this time they are carefully made to socialize to promote acceptable guide dog behaviors. Shortly after they reach the age of 1 the guide dogs are sent to a certified trainer for guide dog puppy rai sing. These trainers work with the dogs over the course for at least six months and teach them the commands and tasks they will be expected to perform as guide dogs. Some of the concepts that guide dogs learn i nclude basic obedience and commands like sit, stay, come and heel, how to navigate traffic and recognize dangerous situations.

How can people who are blind or visually impaired request a guide dog?

There are numerous organizations that train and place guide dogs for those who are blind or have severe visual impairments. Typically those who receive the guide dogs are not responsible for any fees related to training or placement of guide dogs. Many of these agencies are non profit ones funded by private donors. Their proceeds are used to buy guide dog training materials and classes. Certain requirements have to be met by potential handlers before they are considered for placement. These include a minimum age requirement which is usually around 16 or 18. Applicants must be legally blind and as well as be physically and mentally stable, have the ability to provide a loving, safe and clean home to the guide dog, have a need for mobility aid and be committed and motivate to get a guide dog. Some of the organizations that offer guide dogs for the blind are as follows:

Guide Dogs for the Blind

Guide Dogs for the Blind is located in San Rafael, California. They have been providing guide dogs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired for nearly 60 years. They provide dogs, along with guide dog equipment and training. It comes free of charge to individuals throughout the United States and Canada. For more information potential applicants are encouraged to call their toll free number, 1-800-295-4050 or visit their website. Guide Dogs for the Blind also provide information for those who wish to become a guide dog trainer.

Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind

Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind was founded in 1946, in New York. The agency has worked to provide guide dogs to individuals worldwide. There is no cost to those seeking a guide dog as the costs for travel, meals and housing is borne by the foundation. Interested individuals should call 1-800-548-4337 or visit them online.

Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind

Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind is based in Upstate New York and provides handlers with training in their hometowns around the country. Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind provide services free of charge for individuals who meet their requirements. Applicants are encouraged to call 315-822-5132 for more information. Applications can also be downloaded from their website.

Training guide dogs can be a very time consuming and frustrating task, but it immensely satisfying. Guide dogs for the blind have proved to be very helpful.