Southeastern Guide Dogs (SEGD)
Guide Dog, Service Dog (Veterans), Kids Companion Dog, Military Family Support Dog
Labs, Lab/Golden Crosses
Assistance Dogs International, International Guide Dog Federation
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas, South Carolina, Tennessee, Remote
None. Anyone can raise remotely no matter their experience level.
Restrictions
The organization provides:
Veterinary Care
Flea/Tick Prevention
Heartworm Prevention
Infinity Collar
5lb bag of starter food
Coupon for a 30lb bag
Ruffwear treat pouch with SEGD logo
Drool Rag
Puppy Collar
Puppy Leash
Synthetic Leather Leash
SEGD ID Tag
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
KONG toy
Stainless Steel Bowl
Bag of treats for younger puppy and older puppy
Crate (if needed)
Raisers pay for:
Food
Toys
Treats
Adult Collar
ID Tag with Raiser Info
Additional Grooming Supplies
Supplies & Financial
Assistance
Basic Skills:
Basic obedience commands, Socialization, Loose leash walking, Potty training, Public access behavior, Self-control around distractions, House manners, Grooming
Advanced Cues:
Advanced obedience
Training Responsibilities
Online Application
Hands-on learning of handling and protocols at meetings
In-Home Orientation
Puppy sitting (on a case-by-case basis)
Process
Puppy Kindergarten (about once a week for about six weeks, depending on your group)
Local classes twice a month minimum
Walk and Talk puppy evaluations and coaching sessions at 4-6 months and 10-12 months
Time Commitment
Genetics and Reproduction determines what dogs are being altered and what dogs will stay intact. The earliest a dog will be altered is 9 months for a female and 10 months for a male. Raisers will get a notice from PRS if the dogs are requesting to be altered.
Neuter/Spay
Flat Collar
Infinity Lead Head Collar
Fabric Martingale (after 6 months of age)
Freedom Harness (case by case basis)
Training Equipment
Raisers have access to an entire Puppy Raiser Resource Library. There is a Puppy Raiser Manual that is online, as well as training videos, demonstration videos, trouble shooting videos, additional training resources, and a monthly "Dear RM" video where an RM will pick a topic and create a training video about it (i.e. crating, car riding, loose leash walking, house manners, etc.).
Training Guidance
Raiser will receive a time slot to bring dog to campus (between 8-9:40AM), raiser will get to take pictures, write the puppy a note on the milkbone, and say goodbye. Optional demos of Service Dog Training, Clicker Training, and blindfold Guide Dog walks are offered for raisers who want to stay for those, starting after 9:40AM.
Raiser receives monthly reports on the 2nd Friday of each month from AC if the dog goes into guide/service.
Matriculation
When a dog is considered “class ready” for service work, a home placement for guide work, going into an alternate career (breeding, skilled companion, public service) or if dog is being placed into public adoption, there is an opportunity for a raiser reunion day. These occur typically on Friday mornings between 8AM-12PM and raiser gets 1 hour with their dog on campus. Multiple reunions occur concurrently, but you can take your dog on campus to a quiet spot to spend time with them. A raiser reunion photo is also provided by SEGD. For Service Dog classes, raisers get a Zoom or phone call with either the student or the trainer, depending on student comfort.
If in a guide dog class, the raiser will get a Puppy Raiser Day. They will get to spend time with the dog without the handler, then meet the handler, then get a picture together. These usually occur on Saturdays, matches are usually released the week of so it can be short notice to get to campus.
Handlers determine if there is contact, but regardless if they agree or not, there is a 90-day no-contact period. If the handler agrees to contact, then contact info is shared after 90 days and it is up to the handler/raiser to determine the comfort level of contact.
Graduation
SEGD has a canine fitness program for their IFT dogs complete with a pool. The goal is to keep their dogs healthy, and fit, and extend their working life.
SEGD tries to ensure a raiser reunion for all raisers, regardless of career choice
SEGD offers “Teens Camp” at no cost for visually impaired teens 14-17 and their parents. They are able to stay on campus, learn about working/caring for a guide dog, and get immersed in the guide dog world for a weekend.
Uniqueness
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