Guide Dog Training

Upon recall to one of our campuses from their puppy raising homes, dogs that have been altered (spayed or neutered) and pass all the initial health exams are assigned to a guide dog mobility instructor for their formal guidework training. Each instructor starts with a group of dogs (known as a "string"), and works with the string to progress through eight phases of guide dog training. The training phases are designed to maximize a dog's potential for success.

Throughout training each dog is continually evaluated by Training and Veterinary staff. If an issue arises (physical, temperamental, or behavioral) that is evaluated as being ongoing, reoccurring, or not suitable for the guide dog training program, the dog will be released and potentially considered for another role. Guide Dogs for the Blind has high standards for the dogs in our guide dog training program to ensure both the safety of the guide dog team, as well as the long-term health and wellbeing of the dog. Dogs that complete the eight phases of training are assigned to a guide dog class when it is determined that a suitable client match has been identified.

Each dog’s most recent phase number is accessible through the Forms and Resources area of the online Puppy Raiser Community available to all active puppy raising volunteers. Phase information is updated once each week on Thursday.