Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind (GDF)
Guide Dog, Service Dog (Veterans), Facility Dog
Labs, Lab/Golden Crosses, Goldens, Standard Poodles
Assistance Dogs International, International Guide Dog Federation
New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, DC Metro Area, Maryland, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia
Must live near a puppy raising group. Experienced raisers may be able to raise remotely.
Restrictions
The organization provides:
Vet Costs
Flea and Tick Preventatives
Heartworm Preventatives
Crate
Leash
Collar
Head Collar
Brush
Bowl
Ear Cleaner
Treat Pouch
Starter Bag of Food
Raisers pay for:
Food
Toys
Poop Bags
Supplies & Financial
Assistance
Basic Skills:
Basic obedience commands, Socialization, Loose leash walking, Potty training, Public access behavior, Self-control around distractions, Grooming
Advanced Cues:
Advanced obedience
Training Responsibilities
Online Application
2 Videos with quizzes
3 classes minimum (each group has different requirements)
Formal Application
Home Visit and Interview
Some groups may require puppy sitting before raising
Process
At least 2 classes a month - some groups may require more.
Time Commitment
When raisers receive their puppy they will know whether they are on Breeder Hold or not.
Dogs that are NOT on Breeder Hold are able to be altered after 7 months - raisers will receive an email from the foundation around this time.
Dogs that are on Breeder Hold will get Health Testing and Behavioral Testing and then if not chosen will be altered.
Neuter/Spay
Flat Collar
3-6' Leash
Head Collar
Training Equipment
Raisers are provided with an online written manual in addition to puppy classes. Raisers have a Group Leader, Area Coordinator, and/or a Puppy Program Rep they can reach out to.
Training Guidance
Puppy raisers either transport their dogs to HQ or meet a transport van to send their dogs "In For Training".
Raisers get training updates multiple times a month while the dog is IFT.
Matriculation
Puppy Raisers are invited to a phone call with their dog's handler a few days before they are set to graduate.
GDF holds an in-person graduation coined "Celebration Saturday" at their headquarters in Smithtown, NY. This occurs on the last Saturday of each class. Puppy Raisers are invited and get to meet their dog's new handler and their dog's trainer.
Graduates choose whether they would like to stay in contact with raisers and are given their contact information 3 months after graduation.
Graduation
GDF is the sister organzation to America's VetDogs. This means they share facilities, puppies, and more. Dogs may become dual trained as a guide dog and service dog or switch paths at any time in their training.
There is one weekend raising program for GDF located in Georgia.
Repeat raisers may be invited to raise for AVD's Pilot Program. These raisers teach more advanced cues. For this program, raisers can be located anywhere either remotely or in an existing GDF group.
Uniqueness
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