We have compiled a list of questions and answers frequently asked by potential clients. We hope this helps you to get a better idea of what Guide Dogs of Texas can do for guide dog users.

1. What does a Guide Dog do?

A Guide dog is trained to guide its owner in a straight line unless told otherwise, avoiding obstacles on the ground, to both sides and above. It will stop at curbs, stairs, and locate doorways to regularly visited destinations. It should maintain a straight line when crossing a road but will not decide when it is safe to cross. Making the judgment as to when it is safe to cross a road with a Guide Dog would be identical to making that judgment when using a long cane. It is the handlers’ responsibility to decide when and where to cross roads. The dog cannot work miracles but it offers a potentially unique, safe and effective way of getting about independently.

2. How would it help me?

Thousands of visually impaired people in all walks of life have found that a Guide Dog brings new freedom and independence. In a world where the pace of life and crowded noisy streets can make getting around difficult and stressful for a person with a visual impairment, a Guide Dog can greatly increase your confidence. A true partnership can develop with the Guide Dog becoming a real companion and friend. In addition, many Guide Dog owners find that a Guide Dog is a social asset. Members of the public are interested in Guide Dogs and often approach to chat or offer assistance. This can reduce the feeling of isolation which some visually impaired people experience

3. What are the age limits for applying?

You must be 17 or over to apply but there is no upper age limit. Each person who applies for a Guide Dog is assessed individually.

4. Can I apply if I can still see something?

Some useful remaining sight need not prevent you from training with a Guide Dog. However, you would need to be able to use this vision to assist the dog rather than hinder it. When negotiation obstacles, for example, the dog’s decision to go one way must not be questioned. Due to the precise way a Guide Dog needs to be worked, you may be more mobile solely using your remaining residual vision. The instructor carrying out your interview assessment will discuss the implications of this with you.

5. What if I have other physical disabilities or health problems?

Many visually impaired people with additional disabilities have successfully qualified with a Guide Dog. For example, individuals with diabetes, asthma sufferers, stroke sufferers, and those with hearing impairments have qualified for a Guide Dog. We would be happy to discuss the implications of your particular disability or health problem to decide whether it would seriously hinder your ability to work with a Guide Dog.

6. What happens if I decide to apply?

On request we will send you an application form for you to complete and a medical report to be completed by your physician. Once we have received both of these forms from you, an instructor will visit you to discuss your needs. The instructor will be happy to answer any questions you have. The information we obtain from you will help decide whether a dog is suitable for you and, if so, exactly what type of dog you require. When a suitable dog is found, you will be required to complete a training course.

7. How long would I have to wait for a dog?

Your future success with a guide dog is most dependent on our matching you correctly with the right dog. Your particular needs and the types of dogs in training, at that time, will determine the length of waiting time.

8. What breed of dog would I be given?

The breed of dog we offer you will probably be determined by your needs and abilities. We use Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers cross Golden Retrievers, Labradoodles, and German Shepherds. Males and females are used in roughly equal numbers and all are spayed or neutered before they begin their training.

9. Can I apply to other Guide Dog Schools as well as with Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc.?

Yes, you may apply to any other guide dog school. We request that you let us know if you are called to attend a training course at another school. This is simply so we do not continue to look for a suitable dog for you.

10. How would I know when a dog has been found for me?

We would contact you approximately four weeks before commencement of the training course. The instructor would arrange a visit at this time to introduce you to the dog they have selected. This is a chance for you to meet the dog and discuss any concerns you may have. Provided you and the instructor are both satisfied with the match you would attend the training course.

11. What does the training involve?

Training is as important for you as it is for your dog. Your dog’s training will quickly break down if you do not work the dog properly. Training usually last three to four weeks. At the start of training you would learn basic obedience and dog handling skills, as well as grooming, feeding and dog care. You will have a minimum of two training walks each day. Each walk will last from 45 to 90 minutes. These walks teach you how to work your dog in different situations you will meet at home. Informal lectures on some evenings will add to your understanding about dogs and guide dog mobility.

12. Who else will be in training?

Usually there will be one or two clients attending each training course. Some clients may have had a guide dog before. This would not affect you, if you are a first time guide dog user, because the training occurs very much on an individual basis.

13. Do I have to pass a test to graduate with my guide dog?

No, there is not a single walk or test that assesses whether you have achieved a safe and effective standard to graduate. Your working relationship should develop sufficiently during your course for you to be able to work safely and effectively at home. Of course, you will have various problems on the course to overcome, but your instructor will work through these with you, keeping you fully informed on your progress.

14. What happens after I am graduated?

Upon graduation, you will sign an agreement with Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc., which outlines your responsibilities as a guide dog owner, and those of Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc. towards you as our client. On returning home your instructor will visit you on different occasions over the course of the next few weeks to carry out post training aftercare. This will help you to work your guide dog in your home area and deal with any of the settling –in problems that often occur on first returning home. The number of these visits will depend upon your needs and the complexity of the routes you need to cover.

15. How do I look after my dog?

During training you will be taught how to groom your dog. You will be expected to do this daily when you return home. The dog’s feeding needs will be discussed during your training course and you will return home with a recommended diet. It is your responsibility to make sure your dog does not become overweight. You will also be taught how to give a physical check of your dog. The dog must be taken to a vet every six months for a routine check-up. You will be issued a Health Record Book for your dog, and on each veterinary visit your vet will complete a report, a copy of which you will return to Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc. Your instructor will discuss with you suitable relief routines and procedures for your dog and will advise you on the suitability of free running areas in your locality.

16. Will Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc. keep in touch once my post training aftercare has finished?

Staff at Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc. will keep in touch with you. Annual aftercare visits are made by an instructor throughout your dog’s working life to check that both of you are working safely and happily together. Once your dog reaches nine (9) years of age, an instructor will carry out a re-interview with you to determine if you wish to re-train with a new dog when your guide dog retires. At retirement, you will have the option to retain your dog as a pet if you wish.

17. What if a problem arises?

Advice is always available over the phone but in an emergency, an instructor will make a priority aftercare visit when appropriate. If the problem cannot be resolved in the aftercare visit, we could consider a refresher course at the training center for dog, owner, or both as appropriate.

18. How much will a guide dog cost me?

The cost to you is $1.00 for the dog. Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc. covers the costs of your board and lodging while in training, but you would need to arrange your travel to and from San Antonio. If you have a medical condition that requires you to eat special snacks, you would need to bring those items to training. A harness, leash, collar and grooming equipment will be provided to you upon graduation from the training course. You will need to purchase feeding bowls, suitable bedding and toys for your dog. On returning home, you will need to cover the ongoing costs of feeding and veterinary expenses.