K9 Buddies

Guide Dogs for the Blind's K9 Buddy Program matches specially selected dogs to become companions to people who are blind or visually impaired, including children ages 5 and above and adults of all ages. For children, a dog can contribute to sensory development, motivate learning, and enhance self-esteem. Children may also learn dog handling skills that can be helpful in pursuing a guide dog later in life. Adults may benefit from companionship and increased confidence by having a dog by their side.

The K9 Buddy Program connects clients with our larger GDB community of volunteers and supporters, including agencies and organizations for the blind. K9 Buddy clients receive a similar menu of services available to our guide dog clients. This includes access to our Veterinary Financial Assistance (VFA) Program, Support Center, and annual follow up support. As with all our client services, K9 Buddies are provided free of charge.

K9 Buddy dogs are not qualified to work as mobility assistance dogs; K9 Buddies are not trained to perform a service and are not considered service dogs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). K9 Buddy dogs are not granted access to public places (restaurants, shopping malls, grocery stores, hotels, public transportation, etc.). 

If it is determined a dog is not suited to continue in guidework training, they may be recommended to the K9 Buddy Program by Puppy Raising, Breeding, or Training. Below is a detailed overview of the phases of the K9 Buddy evaluation and partnership process.

Initial Evaluation
Dogs are evaluated by a K9 Buddy team staff member to assess manageability, temperament, foundational responses to cued behaviors, and desire to engage in human interaction.

In Home Observation
K9 Buddy evaluation dogs spend a minimum of two weeks in a trained volunteer observation home, typically with children. Volunteers submit photos and videos of various behaviors and scenarios and complete a questionnaire form to provide insight into the dog’s current tendencies in a home environment.

Partnership Preparation
GDB staff work to build upon foundational behaviors developed in the puppy raiser home. This phase includes additional behavior training and exposure to equipment/environmental situations specific to candidates on the wait list (i.e., farm animals, mobility equipment, etc.). In alignment with the Guide Dog Program, we share similar standards regarding training,  obedience, and behavioral expectations in preparation for partnership.

Final Medical Clearance
In addition to initial recall medical screenings when they arrive on campus and routine health checks, dogs receive a full nose-to-tail physical exam and review of medical history prior to confirming any K9 Buddy match. A plan is created for any current medical needs.

Ready to Partner
Dogs move into BUDR or "Bud-Ready" status when medically clear and proficient in basic foundational cued behaviors.

K9 Buddy Match and Partnership 
K9 Buddy matches are carefully selected based on many of the same criteria used for our guide dog teams, including manageability, environment, and lifestyle. K9 Buddy partnership training is conducted with clients in their homes unless the team is local to San Rafael or Boring and wishes to receive training on campus.

Prior to their partnership training, the client is provided with a digital manual containing comprehensive information about the K9 Buddy Program, dog care and management, dog health and safety, and GDB’s policies and expectations of our K9 Buddy teams. Following self-study, this information is reviewed with the client during their pre-partnership preparation meeting with a K9 Buddy staff member. The partnership training provides hands-on practice in dog care, management, and play. It is typically scheduled as a half day, however there is room for flexibility and customization of the schedule to allow for individual needs.

Throughout All Phases
K9 Buddy dogs may spend additional time in foster care after the initial in-home observation based on their needs and adjustment to the kennel environment, or if further evaluations are necessary. Dogs that are housed on campus are cared for by Training staff and are provided regular exercise, socialization, training exercises, outings, toys, and other enrichment activities. They may also participate in GDB programs or events such as Guide Dog Experience Days and Camp GDB, or interactions with Orientation and Mobility Immersion Program clients.