1.
It must be tough to give up a puppy. How do you do it?
We love the puppies and miss them when they're gone, but we're
proud that we helped them become what they were meant to be. The joy
of helping someone who needs a guide dog helps compensate for the
sorrow of giving up a puppy. How many times will you have the opportunity
to help another person find new independence?
2.
How old is a puppy when it is placed with a volunteer puppy
raiser?
A puppy is about eight weeks old. |
![[Sleeping puppy]](gfx/sleep.gif) |
3.
What breeds of dogs do you use?
The most commonly used breed for guide dogs is the Labrador Retriever.
They can be placed in every environment and with almost any person
because they are such a versatile breed. German Shepherds and Golden
retrievers are also used, but to a lesser extent.
4. Where do the dogs come from?
The puppies come from Guiding Eyes' own breeding colony located in
Patterson, New York. They are bred for health,confidence and temperament.
![[Boy with two puppies]](gfx/bb013.jpg) |
5.
What does a puppy raiser do?
A raiser has two major jobs that lay the foundation for
actual guide dog training at Guiding Eyes:
1. Expose
the puppy to everyday things such as stairs, traffic and people.
2.Teach the
puppy manners and basic obedience so it is a pleasant companion in the house and in
public.
The raisers
perform an essential service; without raisers, there would be no
guide dogs.
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6.
Do puppy raisers train the puppies to be guide dogs?
No, raisers do
not train guide dogs. Raisers lay the foundation for future guide
dog training by raising the puppy until it has matured, usually
between 13 and 22 months of age. Then the puppy is sent to the Guiding
Eyes for the Blind Training Center in Yorktown Heights, NY where
it is evaluated. If the puppy has the traits needed for guide dog
work (excellent health and a confident, serene, and friendly temperament),
it begins formal training with a professional guide dog trainer.
After this formal training the guide dog is matched with a blind
person and the team undergoes another month of training together.
7.
How long does a puppy stay with the puppy raiser?
A puppy usually
remains in the puppy raiser home until it is between 16 and 18
months old. This can vary depending on the puppy's development
or the training school's need for dogs. |
![[Puppy wearing his training jacket]](gfx/Y301photo2.jpg) |
8.
Do you need any previous dog training experience to be a volunteer
puppy raiser?
No. Guiding Eyes provides all of the necessary
training and education to raise the puppy. However, having a dog in the past helps in that
it would provide some knowledge of what it's like to live with a dog.
9.
Can the raiser have other family pets?
Yes, however
other dogs in the home must be at least one year older than the
GEB pup. Family pets must accept a puppy and be a good influence
on the pup.
![[Older pup playing in pile of leaves]](gfx/leaves.gif) |
10.
Does a Guiding Eyes puppy require any special food?
Guiding Eyes pups are raised on Nutro Natural Choice |
11.
Where does a puppy go if the raiser is out of town?
Volunteer "puppy
sitters" watch pups while their raisers are away. In some cases
with the Area Coordinator's approval, the puppy can accompany the
raiser on the trip to enhance the puppy's socialization.
12. Who pays for the puppy's expenses?
Guiding Eyes
supplies collars, ID tags, and a crate. Local veterinarians donate
medical care and vaccinations. The puppy raiser is responsible for
the puppy's food, toys and incidental equipment such as food bowls
and grooming tools. The raiser is also responsible for purchasing
any flea or tick medication.
13. Do all the puppies make it as guide dogs?
No, not all dogs
are suited to take responsibility for a blind person's safety.
14. What happens to puppies that don't make
it as guide dogs?
Of the puppies that
do not continue into guide dog training, some are placed in other careers
such as search and rescue, law enforcement and therapy. Others that are
released from the program go on to be loved pets of either the raiser or
another adoptive family.
15. Do blind people pay for the dogs?
There is no charge
to the blind recipient for his or her dog. Anyone age 16 and over
who is legally blind is eligible to apply for a guide dog. Donations
cover the $30,000 it costs to graduate a guide dog team. People
who can't raise are encouraged to help in any way they can.
16. How long do guide dogs work?
Guide dogs generally are retired
between the ages of 8 to 10 years.
17. What happens when a guide dog gets too old
to work?
Most Guiding
Eyes graduates keep their retired dogs as a member of the family
or place them with close friends. In the few situations when a retired
guide is available for placement, Guiding Eyes contacts the dog's
raiser. If the raiser can't be located, we have a waiting list of
people who have applied to adopt a retired guide dog.
![[Three pups posing with the mall Easter Bunny]](gfx/ivan20031125_small.jpg) |
18.Are
there other ways to help raise a puppy if I can't make a commitment
for eighteen months?
Yes. There
is always a need for puppy sitters, and sometimes for starter
homes that will raise a puppy until it can be placed with a
permanent puppy raiser. See the You Can Help page for more information.
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19. What should you do when you meet someone
with a guide dog?
Guide dogs should not be petted or disturbed while working in harness.
When guide dogs are not working, do not pet them without first asking
for permission.
If you wish
to assist a person with a guide dog, first ask, "May I help
you"? If your offer is accepted, then offer your left elbow.
Do not grab the guide dog, the leash, harness or the person's arm.
Doing so may place them in danger.
Do not feed
a guide dog. Guide dogs are fed a prepared diet at home and feeding
them may disturb their work schedule.
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![[Picture of puppy laying beside GEB lettered blocks]](/gfx/side-puppy.gif)
