Overview&MeetingaGDAteam

Guide Dogs of America

Overview

Guide Dogs of America (GDA) has been offering guide dog mobility services, free of charge, to qualified
blind and visually impaired individuals, since 1948. GDA breeds, raises and trains Labrador Retrievers,

Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds to be partnered with blind men and women living in the
United States and Canada.

Guide Dogs of America is strongly committed to providing a training program designed for the abilities
and needs of the individual. Class size is limited to a maximum of ten students assigned to 3 instructors,

a small student to instructor ratio that allows for greater flexibility and specialized teaching. The
training period for first-time students is 28 days, and for re-trainees, 21 days. In addition to residency

training, GDA also conducts in-home training on a limited basis to select handlers. Approximately
50 teams graduate through our program each year.

Guide Dogs of America looks forward to working with people who are willing to work hard, and who
have demonstrated that they can physically control and benefit from the use of a guide dog. Prior to

acceptance to the GDA program, each applicant receives extensive counseling in t he use and
responsibilities of having a guide dog. Our assessment goal is to ensure that each accepted applicant
will have a strong understanding of the leadership role necessary for the continued development of the

human/guide dog relationship.

All dogs issued at Guide Dogs of America must complete a rigorous testing procedure and meet a
stringent set of health and working standards. In addition, prior to final qualification, each State
Licensed Instructor who has worked with that dog must give his or her approval. The dogs are generally

between 22 and 24 months of age when matched with a student.

Our objective is not only to provide excellent guide dogs and quality instruction, but also to strive to
maintain the true success of a team – longevity. Lifetime support services are provided for each

graduated team, with an emphasis on immediate post follow-up after graduation for those with less
experience or for those with difficult, unusual home areas. Veterinary services are generally provided
free of charge to those who can bring their dog to the GDA campus. Boarding services are available as

well. Graduates are given ownership of their guide dogs upon successful completion of the course.

Our dormitory features private rooms, individual dog relieving areas, exercise equipment and lounge,
snack and game rooms. Round trip transportation is provided for those who request it. Because Guide

Dogs of America is located in Southern California, students will experience very comfortable weather
conditions throughout most of the year.

For more information about Guide Dogs of America, please contact us at 13445 Glenoaks Boulevard,
Sylmar, California 91342. You may reach us by phone at 818.362.5834, by fax at 818.362.6870 or visit

our web site at www.guidedogsofamerica.org .

10/2009

WHEN YOU MEET A GUIDE DOG TEAM

Each blind handler and guide dog has a special bond that enables them to
travel in a safe and skillful manner. This partnership extends beyond a dog
and a person walking down the street, however. It takes hundreds of puppy
raisers, GDA staffers, volunteers, and donors to keep the team
“guidedogging”. Even the average “person on the street” has a place in this
partnership. You can help by remembering a few guidelines:

 Please don’t pet, call out to, or distract a working guide dog. Allow the
dog to concentrate and perform for the safety of his blind partner. A
guide dog in harness is “on duty”, even when sitting or lying down.

 If you are in a car, please don’t honk the horn or call out directions.
Handlers listen to traffic flow and other environmental sounds to decide
when it’s safe to cross a street (guide dogs can’t read stop lights!).
Don’t forget, guide dog teams have the right of way.

 Please don’t feed a guide dog. Diet and feeding times are strictly
monitored to maintain good health and reliable relieving schedules.

 Never grab the harness or leash from the handler – you can disorient
and confuse the team. If the handler looks like he needs help, offer your
assistance and take your cue from his response.

 Speak to the person, not the dog! Some guide dog handlers may allow
petting, but always ask first. Many folks enjoy introducing their dogs,
but if they decline, please respect their wishes.

 You can expect to see guide dog teams just about anywhere. The
Federal American’s with Disabilities Act and State Laws explicitly
grant the right of access everywhere the public is allowed. They are
allowed into restaurants, offices, churches, hospitals and hotels. They
travel on buses, in taxis and airplanes, shop at grocery stores, enjoy
amusement parks, movies and concerts.

With the help of their canine partners, and the understanding of those of us
who encounter them, guide dog handlers will continue to pursue their goals of
independence and greater mobility.

10/2009