Guiding Eyes Breeding Dogs are vital to our program’s future. Brood and stud fosters and sitters not only care for the health and happiness of these dogs, but also serve as ambassadors for Guiding Eyes whenever they’re out in the community. Their commitment is essential to our mission.
Fostering or sitting a Guiding Eyes breeding dog is a meaningful way to make a difference. As a foster, you’ll provide a loving home to the parent of future guide dogs and join a community dedicated to empowering people with vision loss. Our experienced staff is always available to support you, and Guiding Eyes covers all veterinary care and monthly preventatives for our breeding dogs. Although breeding dogs are housebroken and have received obedience training with their puppy raisers, they have not received formal guide dog training. Many fosters support the role of our Puppy Raising Program by keeping raisers connected to the new career of the dog they once cared for as a tiny puppy. Breeding dogs officially belong to Guiding Eyes until they retire; afterward, your home becomes their permanent, forever home, shared with the family they have become a part of.
Guiding Eyes purpose-breeds dogs at the Canine Development Center in Patterson, N.Y., focusing on optimal health and temperament – both essential for guide dog work. Our breeding colony is made up primarily of Labrador Retrievers, along with some German Shepherds. Puppies are raised in volunteer homes and evaluated for their suitability for guide dog training when they are about 14 to 18 months old. Dogs that demonstrate exceptional qualities may become Guiding Eyes breeding dogs, helping to pass these traits on to future generations. (Learn more about our Breeding Program by visiting Journey of a Guide Dog and Retirement at Retired Dog Policies.)
Brood/Stud Foster Requirements and Responsibilities:
Do you live within 1½ hours (broods) or 1 hour (studs) of our Canine Development Center (CDC) in Patterson, NY? Are you comfortable with dog hair, cleaning up after a dog, lots of wet kisses, and all the realities of providing a safe and loving home? Can you devote enough time for exercise, assessments, breeding appointments, and general care?
Guiding Eyes Brood/Stud Fosters must:
Guiding Eyes Support You Can Count On:
We are committed to supporting our fosters as they care for our breeding dogs. At the Canine Development Center, foster and sitter volunteers work closely with staff to ensure every dog receives the highest standard of care. Volunteers are encouraged to ask questions, stay informed, and communicate any concerns to the Brood Stud Program Manager.
Guiding Eyes provides each foster with:
Please review the following information carefully and thoughtfully consider making a long-term commitment to provide a safe and loving home to a Guiding Eyes breeding dog. Do not hesitate to contact the Brood Stud Program Manager with any questions.
Reliable and Caring Support
Whether you’re an experienced dog owner or just getting started, we’re here to help our breeding dog fosters understand the dog’s behavior, care for them confidently, and enjoy the experience. The Brood/Stud Program Manager or a qualified kennel support technician is available by phone or email to answer any questions or address any concerns. If an issue requires closer follow-up, in-person support will be scheduled at the Canine Development Center in Patterson, N.Y. Our Breeding and Whelping Kennels are staffed 365 days a year and are open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with admits and discharges scheduled until 4:00 p.m.
Transportation
Fosters are responsible for transporting their Guiding Eyes breeding dog on multiple required trips per year to our facilities in Patterson or Yorktown Heights, N.Y. (Studs are needed on-site more frequently.)
Training and Assessments
Our Guiding Eyes staff will teach and guide you through every step. Before bringing the dog home, fosters and sitters must complete two sessions with Guiding Eyes staff and identify a nearby 24‑hour emergency veterinary clinic for any life‑threatening emergencies. Then, a Breeding Kennel Support Tech will schedule quarterly assessments at the Patterson campus, where staff will evaluate the dog’s fitness and behavior and provide instruction for grooming and overall care if needed. All breeding dogs – active and retired – must attend the annual Eye Clinic.
Trusted Veterinary Care
Guiding Eyes has a dedicated veterinary team that supports all dogs in the Brood Stud Program. Guiding Eyes covers all veterinary care. Vaccines and other medical treatments are provided on campus at one of Guiding Eyes’ Vet Hospitals (appointments required), or, if necessary, referred to a veterinary specialist. Fosters/sitters do not have to pay for any pre-authorized veterinary care.
The Veterinary staff is available during regular business hours by phone or email to answer questions and provide guidance to foster and sitter volunteers. If staff are unable to answer a call immediately, volunteers may leave a message and indicate how urgent their concern is. For after-hours needs, an emergency number is also available. General health care information is available on a Guiding Eyes volunteer website. All volunteers are authorized for access but must register on the site.
Health, Condition and Weight Management
Breeding dogs in peak condition benefit from:
Fosters must keep breeding dogs in peak condition to protect their health and support successful breeding. A brood’s physical condition and stamina directly affect her ability to deliver puppies quickly and with fewer complications, and studs also need to be well-conditioned to have the stamina required for successful breeding. Proper condition must be maintained through exercise and weight management. Dogs are required to have a minimum of 21 miles per week (3 miles/day) of walking or running on leash. Optimum exercise is 35 miles per week (5 miles/ day). Fosters must maintain their breeding dog’s Guiding Eyes specified target weight and are instructed on the appropriate feeding schedule and amount of food needed to do so. Food must be measured accurately and treats monitored. Dogs more than 5 pounds overweight may need to be returned for re-homing until their weight is corrected. If a foster cannot maintain the dog’s proper weight, permanent re-homing will be necessary.
Safety
When outside, Guiding Eyes breeding dogs must always be on leash or in a secure fenced area, monitored by a responsible adult, and prevented from any extracurricular sexual activity. To avoid temperature-related injury, fosters/sitters should walk the dog in the early morning or evening during hot days, and midday when it is very cold. All family members must be willing to accept the responsibility of keeping the dog safe.
Sitter Network and Travel
If the dog is not needed during that period, fosters/sitters may take their breeding dog on vacation. If traveling without the dog, it is vital to arrange for an approved sitter from Guiding Eyes’ sitter network well in advance. These foster families have agreed to care for dogs in their homes, where they’ll receive the same quality care and training, without exposure to pathogens from outside kennels. Breeding dogs cannot be boarded at the Breeding Kennel, except in cases of family emergencies. If an out-of-network sitter is used, they must be educated in the care and safekeeping of our dogs (proper leash walking, feeding, safety, and breeding considerations) and not have another dog in the home that is unhealthy, not vaccinated fully, or unable to interact appropriately. Guiding Eyes must receive complete contact information and dates beforehand.
Agreements
Fosters and sitters are required to sign an agreement outlining the requirements and policies in effect throughout the dog’s breeding career. To learn more, please review a sample Foster Agreement or Sitter Agreement.
Re-homing
If the foster relocates beyond the maximum required distance from the Canine Development Center, or is unable to meet the requirements of the Foster Program as outlined in the Foster Agreement, Guiding Eyes will reclaim the breeder and place it with another foster or sitter.
Although a dog’s gender does not determine its personality, there are still meaningful differences between stud and brood dogs to consider. We can help you find the perfect match.
The Stud Program
The Brood Program
