Q: What breeds of puppies are used for guide dogs?
A: Guide Dogs for the Blind Inc. currently use Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and a Cross of a Labrador and Golden Retriever.

Q: Where do you get your puppies?
A: Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc have their own breeding stock. Puppy raisers receive their puppies from the Guide Dog School

Q: How old is a puppy when it is place with a puppy raiser?
A: A puppy is placed in the home of the volunteer puppy raiser when it is at least eight weeks old.

Q: How long does the puppy stay with the puppy raiser?
A: The puppy usually stays with the raiser until it is about 15-18 months old. The length of time may vary depending on puppy's development or the need of Guide Dogs.

Q: Is it necessary to have prior dog training experience?
A: No, however it is helpful if you have a dog or have had a dog.

Q: Are there meetings to attend with the puppy?
A: Yes, our puppy raising group meets twice a month. These are informational meetings under the direction of a leader trained by Guide Dogs. It is a place to meet other raisers and learn training techniques, The meetings usually last 1-2 hours depending on what activities are scheduled.

Q: Where does a Guide Dog Puppy stay if the raiser is out of town?
A: Raisers help out each other or some raisers just are puppy sitters. A puppy can sometimes accompany a raiser out of town with the Leaders approval.

Q: Are there other ways I can help besides raising a puppy?
A: Yes, we are always looking for puppy sitters, help with fundraising,

Q:Does a Guide Dog Puppy require special food?
A: Yes, Guide Dogs for the Blind require all their pups to be fed one of several specifically chosen brands of high quality dry dog food. No table scraps can ever be given.

Q: Who pays for the Guide Dog Puppy's expenses?
A: The raiser pays for a puppy's food, toys and incidental equipment such as grooming tools and food bowls. Guide Dogs supplies leashes, puppy identification jackets, collars and other training equipment as needed. Guide Dogs also provides a $250 veterinary care stipend in addition to the costs of vaccinations, ear cleaning solution and any spay-neuter costs.

Q: Can a person be gone during the day and still raise a Guide Dog Puppy?
A: Yes, as long as there are provisions made to relieve and exercise the puppy during the day. Accepting an older puppy that doesn't have as rigourous a relieving schedule could also be a consideration.

Q: What happens if a puppy is disqualified from the Guide Dog program?
A: If the puppy is disqualified from guidework but is suitable as a family pet, the raiser is given priortiy to keep the puppy. If the puppy raiser is unable or chooses not to keep the puppy, Guide Dogs for the Blind has a Career Change Department which places dogs in loving homes.

Q: Is it hard to return your Guide Dog Puppy?
A: YES! It is always hard to return a puppy you have grown to love. However, knowing that the dog will go on to help a visually impaired person gives comfort. A special graduation cermony is held and all puppy raisers are invited to present their dogs as guides and meet the new working team.