Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind (GDF)
Guide Dog, Service Dog (Veterans), Facility Dog
Labs, Lab/Golden Crosses, Goldens, Standard Poodles
New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, DC Metro Area, Maryland, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia
Current Locations
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
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.
Pre-pandemic GDF offered in-person graduation for teams, puppy raisers, and sponsors at HQ. However, there is currently no plan to resume this in person or virtually.
Graduates choose whether they would like to stay in contact with raisers and are given their contact information 3 months after graduation.
Graduation
Guide Dog Foundation's sister organization is America's VetDogs. Dogs can be dually placed as a guide dog with service dogs skills for a veteran or first responder.
Uniqueness
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