i finally pulled my finger out ;)

Savvy_Sue

One thing you'll learn is that the dog will stop if it can't find a safe way through. And you may have no idea why!

GlasweJen

Brilliant you're taking the plunge so to speak.

Once your forms are in you'll get a visit from guide dogs to assess your home environment and make sure you're capable of looking after the dog - have arrangements for it to be walked, groomed, fed etc. They will chat about your current lifestyle, what you hope to use the dog for (work, socialising, loud environments, live near farms etc).

Then they will arrange another visit where they will take your for a walk to judge your walking pace and point out things like how you tackle pavements and the like. There is no standard way to train a guide dogs as they are such a personal thing, a dog for an elderly man who plays lawn bowls and goes to the pensioners club once a week will be very different to the dog who is going to serve a young socialite woman who works in an office, commutes to the city by train and likes to go out to busy restaurants and cocktail bars.

There are small (to outsiders) things to consider, some guide dogs will sit at pavements and others will alert you in another way - do you have a preference? Does where you live have an effect on this part of the training? Some guide dogs play with balls and others don't - do young kids play with balls in your area? If they do then you won't get a guide dog that might be distracted by this.

The minimum number of assessment visits that I've been aware of (I volunteer for a low vision charity - not guide dogs) is 3. Once they have every possible bit of information you can think about you go on the list and a puppy is sought out that will suit you.

Eventually you are matched with a dog (they try to do this quickly but some people need a more specialised set of personality traits than others) and you meet the dog. If it's all ok at the meeting you will be trained on how that dog works. You and your dog then need to pass a test together (after some training together of course), you pay your 50p, sign your contract and you have a shiny new guide dog!

Not everyone gets a puppy. Some dogs are "traded in" due to changes in their owners lifestyle - new job, more confidence so much more active and getting out and about more, had a baby and the dog is getting stressed by the noise, maybe the owner died or is so ill the dog can no longer work with them. If you're on the list and a mature guide dog meets your needs you will be offered them as it cuts a lot of time out and these dogs have a proven good track record (you'll never get a dog with training issues re-assigned, these become family pets or are used for PR/information dogs). You still get training and the assessment before doggy comes home.


Any questions you can always ask and I will get an answer for you - hope the process goes well for you, all of my VI patients have a marked improvement in their independence when they get to the end and are let home with their new guide dog.

Good luck!

nannytone_2

thanks hen ... youve reinforced the research ive done myself.
i love dogs, and until 4 years ago, a;ways had at least 1 ( usually 2).
i have every confidenxe in the training and matching process.
my only concern is trusting the dog.
i KNOW i cant trust what i think i see... but its almost impossible to ignore it!
i know if i get a dog it will make a massive difference to my life, but i'm not sure they will think im suitable

GlasweJen

Don't worry too much, they will teach you to trust the dog, this is a normal thing that VI people have to overcome when they apply for a dog and the application itself is a sign that you're ready to take the next step.

OldMotherTucker

I will always remember reading a book called Emma and I about a blind lady and her experience getting her chocolate Lab guide dog. It was about 35 years ago so it obviously made an impression if I can still remember the title. I'm assuming after all this time it would be available on audio!

Good luck Nannytone!

OldMotherTucker

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Emma-I-Sheila-Hocken/dp/0091943361

Was surprised to find it so easily but having been reminded of it, I decided I wanted to read it again!

I have such love and respect for working dogs and several years ago was priviledged enough to be involved in a project to fund an epilepsy dog. It cost thousands and takes 3 years to train one of these dogs but allows independant living for those lucky enough to qualify for one.

we all look forward to hearing how you get on Nannytone. I'm inspired once again to get 'involved' in something!