The curriculum at Guide Dogs for the Blind is designed to be practical and flexible in order to address the unique circumstances of each client. Guide Dogs provides a variety of learning options based upon your individual needs and goals during its two-week programs. Students enjoy the privacy of single rooms along with amenities such as libraries; music, exercise and computer rooms; private telephones with voicemail; descriptive videos; and wireless Internet access. The comfort of the dorm along with caring and professional staff provides an atmosphere that is hospitable and conducive to learning.
As you begin class, the instructor team will review the essential skills you'll need before meeting your dog. You'll become familiar with the commands, gestures and footwork needed to direct a guide dog and you'll learn obedience exercises which are important for maintaining leadership and control of your dog. Once dogs are assigned, students learn the best ways to handle and communicate with their new partners. A team of instructors is there to coach you through the entire process. Generally, there are two to three students per instructor, which provides plenty of opportunity for individual attention and exposure to situations tailored to your specific needs.
Your days start at 6:30 am with feeding and relieving your dog, and end around 9 pm with a final relieving session. The course includes classroom sessions where the group reviews lecture material and discusses topics relevant to the guide dog user. Guidework practice is scheduled for both mornings and afternoons. Guidework takes place on rural roads and small-town streets as well as in metropolitan areas. You'll learn to work your dog through obstacles, in crowds of pedestrians, across busy streets, and on stairways, platforms and public transportation. Night travel is also experienced. As class progresses, the team transitions from working under close supervision and receiving constant instructor feedback, to more independence as the team acquires skills for negotiating the normal challenges of travel on their own.
A professional counselor, who also happens to be a Guide Dog user, is available to consult with students. Nursing staff provides routine health care, assists those with special medical needs, and handles any health emergencies. During your class training, a veterinarian will personally consult with you and discuss the medical history of your new Guide Dog.
At the end of training, it will be time to celebrate your accomplishments with a public graduation ceremony. You'll have a chance to share your experiences with your dog's puppy raising family--people who have loved and nurtured your dog throughout puppyhood. Most raisers attend graduation and are part of the ceremony. Your participation in the graduation ceremony is voluntary.
Watch a video about what life is like for students on Guide Dogs' campuses.