Guide Dog School Research Questions

This resource, developed in partnership with Guide Dogs for the Blind, lists questions youth interested in working with a guide dog may have for guide dog schools.

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Guide Dog School Research Questions

Author: Jane Flower, Youth Outreach Specialist at Guide Dogs for the Blind

This resource lists questions youth interested in working with a guide dog may have for guide dog schools. This list of questions is used as part of Camp GDB in an activity to help youth explore the companionship, independence, and responsibility of a partnership with a guide dog.

Guide Dog Program Eligibility

Do I have to be totally blind to train with a Guide Dog?

How old do you have to be to train with a Guide Dog at your school?

Does the program support co-occurring disabilities (e.g., autism, deafblind)?

Guide Dog Program Information

How long is your class training program?

Describe your application process.

What is your student/instructor ratio?

How much does it cost to get a Guide Dog from your school?

Does your school provide any veterinary financial assistance? If so, how much and how does the assistance program work?

What kind of follow-up support services do you offer (in-person or telephone)?

Do you offer any in-home training?

Do you have nurses on staff during training?

Do you use positive reinforcement during guide work training? If so, do you teach your clients how to use a clicker to shape certain behaviors?

Dog-Specific Questions

What breeds of dogs do you train to be guides?

Will I have to share a room while training with my guide dog?

Can clients apply for or obtain ownership of their dog?

Do you connect clients with the person who raised their dog?

Independent living skills

Self-determination

Orientation & mobility

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