|
HOME PAGE
ABOUT GDA:
Our Mission, Programs, History, Location, Funding...
EVENTS CALENDAR:
Graduations, Fundraisers, Puppy Raising Events...
ADMISSIONS:
Criteria, Applying, Graduate Services, Support...
PUPPY RAISING:
About, Requirements, Application...
TRAINING & BREEDING:
Dog Breeds, Apprentice, Trainers, Vet Services, Kennels...
FUNDRAISER PHOTOS
Pictures from our past fundraising events...
TOURS & SPEAKERS
Free group tours are available...
F.A.Q.
Frequently asked questions...
CONTACT US
|
-ADMISSION AND GRADUATE SERVICES-
Criteria * Application Process *
Acceptance to Class * Class *
Graduate Services * Admissions and Services F.A.Q.
Criteria for Admission
 Our training program is designed to accommodate both the experienced guide dog handler and the first timer. Some of the factors we consider when evaluating a person for acceptance to our program are as follows:
Motivation: The desire and commitment to work with a guide dog must be strong within each individual. Training with and working with a guide dog can present many challenges as well as joys. A motivated handler will try hard to create a successful team.
Leadership: Dogs naturally look for authority and direction. The human partner must be the leader of the team, directing the canine partner in a supportive and consistent manner.
Maturity: Applicants are eligible to apply 16 years of age. But, even more important is the ability to make sound and sensible decisions regarding the work and well-being of the team.
Physical Ability: A person must have enough strength and stamina to handle a large dog in a working situation. All guide dogs need physical interaction from time to time, especially when they are learning to work with a new handler.
Meaningful Work: A person must be active enough to provide sufficient work to keep a guide dog healthy, happy and effective.
 Vision Loss: A person must be legally blind to be eligible for the program. An individual who is legally blind has a visual acuity of 20/200 in the better eye with the best correction, or a visual field of no more than 20 degrees.
Orientation Skills: An applicant must already be an experienced, independent traveler, which most often means they've had a full Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training course. Both dog and human are competent travelers when they come together as a team.
BACK
|
HOW TO HELP:
Ways to Donate, Sponsor, Volunteer, Our Wishlist...
SHOP GDA!
Official GDA merchandise is now available!
BOOKSTORE:
Books on guide dogs, blindness, puppy training & raising...
ACCESS & ETIQUETTE
Meeting a blind person or guide dog team...
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
LINKS
SITE MAP
|
