Guide Dogs of America

This is a review for anyone who is thinking about VOLUNTEER PUPPY RAISING for GDA. There are pros and cons and all organizations are different and work differently with their volunteers. I hope this will help in your decision making. First, it’s a wonderful, incredible organization that is likely running on a very low budget for all that they do. So I’m guessing some of the disorganization and difficulty with consistent communication is likely due to that fact alone. However, be aware that as a puppy raiser you are looked upon as being «lucky» to be «chosen» to help and therefore not treated particularly well by the organization. If it’s your first time, expect a lot of negative feedback if you have any difficulties with the process or training. They don’t want to actually have to deal with the puppy raisers too much, so try to work out any schedule challenges by calling other puppy raisers and asking, or rather «begging» for their help. (It’s not as easy as the administration makes it sound to get puppy raisers to take your pup if a conflict arises and there is often not enough space at the GDA kennels even though you are supposed to be taking your pup there regularly according to their handbook! And, again, if you involve the administration too much in these matters, they aren’t happy.) Also beware — there is a lot of odd «puppy raisers jockeying for position» behavior from long time volunteers, so be prepared to be told what to do, whether you ask or not, by the other raisers as well. You will also be expected to attend long, large group meetings on week-​day evenings that have very little useful information for you and your pup, but rather often celebrate devotees of the organization. (A bit cult-​like for working people who need to get themselves and their sweet pup home to bed.)
Second, understand that you will be asked to use a «correction» collar with your pup and to train them using that method only. The correction collar is, in fact, a metal chain «choke» collar. GDA doesn’t ever call it that nor will they let raisers do so, but that is what it is. In addition, they will ask you to pay for local puppy training classes, but then when you bring your dog for the required GDA classes in Sylmar, the other raisers who are «helping» will give you contradictory training directions and express frustration with you and your pup that you are not complying with the «GDA Way.» Again, they do not provide the regular training classes that they ask you to pay for, they only provide/​require «check-​in» classes, but they then correct what you have been told by a non-​GDA trainer at their GDA classes. All very confusing and difficult for you and the dog. So if you prefer positive training methods and consistency, you may want to look into volunteering at another guide dog or service animal training organization that uses more updated, humane and consistent methods and communication. This organization is much more concerned with the ends — creating as many successful guide dogs per litter as possible — than the means. While the administration appreciates their puppy raisers in philosophy and word, they do not do so in deed. And this a common refrain amongst many of their volunteer raisers. I think if you hear all this and still want to do it — go for it! It’s a great service to humanity! Feel free to contact me with questions.

I use to work here in the early 90’s it’s a fabulous place to visit and seeing some of the people I worked with

I researched all of the guide dog schools offering these wonderful animals to the blind and visually impaired. All of these programs have their merits. I finally chose Guide Dogs of America as the place where I would be paired with my new guide, in the hopes of regaining some of the independence i had lost since losing (and still losing) my sight.
I had many concerns, the most important of which was that I was also losing my hearing; would I be able to be matched with a dog that could interpret non-​verbal cues as well? My concerns were immediately put to rest when I got the call notifying me of my acceptance to GDA as a student in their June 2013 class.
The program here is great! The instructors, trainers, kennel and administration staff are not only «dog people» but also «people people»; they are people you would want to meet and know in real life. They are incredibly compassionate, they believe wholeheartedly in what they are doing and most importantly they want YOU, as a student, to succeed. They encourage contact after graduation.
The network of puppy raisers affiliated with GDA can not go unmentioned. You have heard the old line about how «it takes a village»? Well, in this case it’s true. Without the breeding program at GDA, there are no puppies. Without the puppy raisers offering their time, homes and effort, there would be no guide dogs to train. Without the incredible giving spirit of the donors and sponsors for each of these wonderful animals’ training, there would be no GDA. This is a complete program, from a puppy’s birth, to his raising, to his training to his selection for placement… GDA is a premier school.
For anyone considering a transition from cane travel to using a guide dog… do your research, ask questions and choose the program that fits your needs. There are many to choose from and all give you the same result: you go home with a remarkable animal that will not only be a great working companion, but a best friend. In my opinion, Guide Dogs of America offers the finest program, best outcomes and best service post-​graduation of any guide dog school in the Western United States, and perhaps the entire country.
THANK YOU, Guide Dogs of America for helping me to help myself to restore my independence!

GDA is a great organization, which provides a very valuable service connecting guide dogs and owners. I’ve visited their facility on several occasions and it’s always clean, well maintained and the staff are normally very friendly.
Unfortunately even with the best-​run organizations, there’s a problem or two. I rode to participate in their annual motorcycle fundraising event one year and was told that I couldn’t bring my dog. For those who know me, I bring my beloved service companion on my motorcycle everywhere. If he’s not welcome — I’m not.
They said they do not permit dogs at any point during the benefit ride in case they encounter their guide dogs along the way. First of all, the sheer irony of a dog organization banning dogs from a public benefit ride would be laughable if it wasn’t true. Second, in real life, guide dogs will be exposed to animals and their owners in public, so why isolate them in this situation.
Despite this circumstance, I still give them 4 stars and wish them success. A little tip — For future benefit runs, keep the guide dogs with their handlers and lift the restriction on the public bringing theirs.

Guide Dogs of America has been raising and training dogs for the blind for over 60 years. We’ve only been involved for about five of those, but we are constantly inspired by the dedication and love that the GDA breeders, trainers, and puppy raisers have for their gift. We’ve seen so many visually-​impaired lives changed when their independence is returned to them with the gift of a guide dog. They have an open house every year and graduations about four times a year. I urge you to spend an hour one day this year to witness a graduation and see what this is all about.