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Frank went back to the United States with what many believe to be America’s first guide dog. Eustis later established the Seeing Eye School in Morristown, New Jersey, in 1929, but before this went back to Switzerland to do further work there.
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Jun 6, 2017 · Their success inspired Frank and Dorothy Eustis, the American woman who ran the Swiss program, to launch the Seeing Eye, the first guide-dog training school in the United States, in 1929.
Guide Dogs of America was founded over 70 years ago by Joseph Jones, Sr. with the help of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers ( IAMAW ). Joseph Jones, Sr., shown in the picture to the right with his guide dog Lucy, was a retired member of the IAMAW.
- Guide Dogs Have Been Used For Over A Century
- Guide Dogs Must Possess A Calm Temperament and A Few Important Traits
- These 3 Breeds Make The Best Guide Dogs
- Training Starts Early
- The Guide Dog and Owner Is An Art
- Guide Dogs Shouldn’T Be Petted Without Permission
- Guide Dogs Perform Multiple Tasks
- Guide Dogs’ Needs Are The Same as Other Canines
- Guide Dogs Are Permitted Just About Everywhere
- Guide Dogs Don’T Know When It’S Safe to Cross A Street
Believe it or not, the very first guide dog was issued to a German veteran, Paul Feyen, way back in 1916. By 1919—just three years later—the number of working guide dogs grew to well over 500. While the exact number of current guide dogs is unknown, it’s estimated that only 2%of people with blindness or a visual impairment utilize the services of a...
Not every canine can work as a guide dog. It’s important that these working pups possess a strong sense of companionship, as well as the ability to stay calm, even in unpredictable situations. They must be easy to train, willing and able to work for extended periods, able to maintain focus while on the job, and able to recognize danger. A dog’s siz...
1. Labrador Retrievers
Known for being quick learners and loyal companions, Labrador retrievers are the most popular breed of guide dogs for good reason. These loving, intelligence canines have plenty of energy for long workdays, but they don’t mind extended bouts of downtime. Their size and physique are also ideal for the job.
2. German Shepherds
In addition to their strong presence and stature, German shepherdsare easily adaptable and make excellent leaders. Their intelligence is off the charts, and they’re incredibly loyal creatures. These shepherds do need a lot of physical activity, so they’re best matched with active handlers.
3. Golden Retrievers
Great guide dogs are known for their incredible ability to focus. Golden retrieversare not easily distracted, and they have a knack for memorization, which is essential for training and navigating familiar routes. Their gentle and intelligent nature also allows them to effectively assist people with mental or physical disabilities. While the above-mentioned breeds are the most common, standard poodles, boxers, and Siberian huskies are sometimes utilized as guide dogs. In some circumstances, c...
From the time they’re puppies, guide dogs are raised with their future work in mind. Trained in a verified home before entering formal training, the entire training process takes approximately 18 months, at which point the canine and potential owner are finally introduced. The duo then train together and begin the bonding process.
It’s important that a guide dog’s energy level meshes well with the owner’s activity level and lifestyle. This helps to ensure a good match. Additionally, a comprehensive interview is typically conducted to determine the potential owner’s needs.
At some point in your life, you’ve likely been warned not to pet guide dogs, or other service dogs, while they’re on duty. While this is certainly true, some owners are more lenient than others in some situations. Dogs should never be petted, or otherwise distracted, while on the job. If you spot a dog in a relaxed environment, be sure to ask the o...
Amazingly, guide dogs are trained to assist their owners in various ways. These canines serve as their owners’ vision in many situations. They’re able to locate doors and steer their owners away from traffic.
Although they perform a very important job, guide dogs need the same care and attention any pup requires. These needs include a balanced diet, routine veterinary visits, grooming, regular exercise and play, and of course, loads of love and affection.
Even in places that don’t allow pets, guide dogs are typically permitted. Laws are in place to ensure these animals are not turned away from public spaces, so you may very well see a working canine on a bus or plane, as well as in restaurants, stores, or your doctor’s office.
It’s commonly believed that guide dogs have the ability to recognize the changing colors of traffic lights, but this isn’t the case. In actuality, the owner listens for traffic and indicates when it sounds safe to cross a street. The guide dog then looks for oncoming traffic and other potential hazards. These canines are trained to disobey their ow...
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I n 1928, a German Shepherd named Buddy became the first guide dog in the United States, revolutionizing independent travel for visually impaired individuals. Guide dogs for the blind have...
In 2008, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind became the first assistance dog school in the United States to be accredited by both the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International, the two international bodies that certify guide and service dog schools, respectively.
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The organization became one of the first guide dog schools to be founded by a blind individual, and also adopted a policy of no upper age discrimination. For more than 70 years International Guiding Eyes, Inc., dba Guide Dogs of America has matched thousands of individuals who are blind and visually impaired with extraordinary guide dog partners.
