2. Guide Dog Foundation & VetDogs
Who are we?
Since 1946, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. has provided guide dogs free of charge to
blind people who seek enhanced mobility and independence.
Our students come to us from all over the United States and many foreign countries. Our trademark
small classes and individualized instruction often attract students who may have special requirements.
We have successfully trained hearing-impaired blind people as well as many physically challenged
people.
What is our mission?
To improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or with other special
needs.
America’s VetDogs® – The Veteran's K-9 Corps® is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded
by the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and serves the needs of disabled veterans and active
duty personnel.
To help those who have served our country honorably live with dignity and independence.
4. Our Program
A task force was formed to evaluate ways we can
improve safety and working environment for the
dogs in our kennel and the people who work with
them
The program will accomplish:
Improved safety of staff and volunteers
Reduced stress levels for dogs
Improved environmental stimulation for dogs
Better learning and training success for dogs
6. Improved safety
Standard technique for
entering and leaving
runs safely
Dogs maintain calm
when approached by a
handler of any
experience level
Our motto: “Four on the
floor opens the door"
7. Improved safety
Special equipment for
walking dogs in kennel
One size fits all
Less potential for a dog
to hurt itself by pulling
too hard
Requires slightly
different handling
techniques than a leash
and collar
8. Improved safety
SLOW IT DOWN! CALM ENVIRONMENT FOR
DOGS AND PEOPLE = BETTER SAFETY FOR ALL!
9. Reduced stress for dogs
WHAT DOES THE WORLD LOOK LIKE TO A GUIDE
DOG PUPPY?
10. Reduced stress for dogs
WHAT DOES THE WORLD LOOK LIKE TO A DOG IN
THE KENNEL?
11. Reduced stress for dogs
What are the effects of stress? What reduces stress?
Negative effect on Exercise
health Engage in natural
Decreased learning behaviors (sniff, chew,
Increase in undesirable socialize with other
behaviors (barking, dogs)
spinning, jumping)
Meaningful contact
Decreased training
success with humans
Grooming/body touch
12. Environmental stimulation
Exercise
Socialization with other dogs
Interactive toys
Brushing sessions
Massage
Fun, easy training games
Dedicated social interaction with people
EVERY DOG, EVERY DAY!
15. Key items in the program
Expanded volunteer
hours (10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
weekdays, 11:30 AM-5:00
PM weekends)
Four level training
program
Increased flexibility:
can stop at any level
or do all 4
Everyone starts at
Level 1!
16. Community free run
All free run is done outdoors
unless determined unsafe by
GDF (rain, snow, extreme heat or
cold)
Dogs are run in groups of 4-10
Second play field added so up
to 20 dogs can get out at once.
Canine care staff will assist most
volunteer shifts
Training staff also free run dogs
at least once per day
Third play field available for
training staff (not practical for
volunteers)
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW VIDEO
18. Level 1 Socializer
You must All Level 1 activities take place outside
complete at the kennel run
least 10 hours
at Level 1 Calmly talk to and pet dogs through
and pass the
Level 1 test
kennel gate
before Provide positive reinforcement for good
progressing to
Level 2 manners (calm and quiet greetings)
Stuff interactive toys (Kongs, bones
Buster Cubes) with kibble
Help with community free run setup
(water buckets, toys, scoopers)
19. Level 2 Socializer
You must All Level 1 activities
complete at
least 15 hours Play the “Door Game” – practice safe
at Level 2
and pass the
and controlled door opening
Level 2 test
before
Play the “Leash Game” – safely put on
progressing to and remove slip lead without removing
Level 3
dog from kennel
Start with one dog and get tested for
two dogs once you are confident
20. Level 3 Socializer
You must All Level 1 & 2 activities
complete at
least 20 hours Brush, pet, and cuddle dogs inside the
at Level 3
and pass the
kennel run
Level 3 test
before
Distribute interactive toys at scheduled
progressing to times
Level 4
Assist staff and Level 4 socializers
monitoring community free run (no leash
handling)
21. Level 4 Socializer
Level 4 All Level 1, 2, and 3 activities
socializers
must follow Calmly and safely leash walk dogs to
all
procedures
community free run area
carefully and
accurately to
Monitor large group free run activities
maintain
Level 4 status
Calmly and safely return dogs to kennel
after play sessions
22. Kennel volunteer hours of operation
Weekdays Weekends
Levels 1, 2, and 3: Levels 1, 2, and 3:
10:30 AM to 5:00 PM 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Level 4 (community Level 4 (community
free run): free run):
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
23. Training Sessions
Level 1:
1/2 hour classroom +
hands on
Level 2:
1 hour classroom +
hands on
Level 3:
1 hour classroom +
hands on
Level 4:
1 hour classroom +
hands on
24. What’s Next?
Schedule a Level 1 Training Session!
Call or email Barrie to schedule
631-930-9000, ext 1549
Barrie@guidedog.org
Upcoming Level 1 Training Dates:
TBA