Students

Once ready, the dogs are matched with blind students to begin a life with a new best friend. An experienced instructor and assistant trainer accompany the students on training walks as they become acquainted with their new traveling partner.

Two outings per day and obedience workouts several times each week help students and dogs form the bond of a working team. Lectures in the evenings provide a forum for questions and give the students a chance to discuss the day's training with the instructor. Free time is spent relaxing with classmates and preparing for a new day of training.

Sundays are a day of welcome rest and a chance for friends and family to visit our school.

As training progresses, a team begins to take shape. The student becomes the dog's new master. Providing daily care and grooming, they take the place of the trainer in the heart of the dog. The relationship grows as the blind person and their new companion learn to master rural travel, busy downtown areas and hectic shopping malls.

Training in a variety of environments helps prepare students for the many challenges they will face in their everyday travels.

Well kept grounds offer paved walkways with a fountain, and a wide open grassy area for training. In addition we offer a canine confidence course, desert walkway and a safe intersection for training purposes.

For a detailed description of the training program, please the training program.

Requesting an Application

If you'd like to request an application, as well as information about the training program, please visit the Application Request Form. If you need help filling out the form, please call our Administrative Office at 1-800-393-3641 Pacific Time. You may also call us and ask for an Application Form to be mailed to your home.

• Prospective students must be at least eighteen years old.
• All applicants must have orientation and mobility training, with at least six months of independent travel experience.
• While we work with many and differing degrees of visual impairment, we find our dogs are best suited for those who have a definite need for a working dog.