Southeastern Guide Dogs (SEGD)

Guide Dog, Service Dog (Veterans), Kids Companion Dog, Military Family Support Dog

Labs, Lab/Golden Crosses

The organization provides:

• Vet Care

• Heartworm Preventatives 

• Figure 8 Collar

Raisers pay for:

• Crate

• Food

• Collar

• Leash

• Flea & tick preventative 

• Toys 

• Grooming Supplies

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 

• Online Application

• Online pre-placement class

• Hands-on learning of handling and protocols at meetings

• In-Home Orientation

• Puppy sitting

• 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

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.

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.

• 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.