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Student Training Programs

There are no upfront costs to our students to receive a guide dog. Training, travel, equipment, accommodations, meals, and follow-up services are also provided free of charge. Donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and service groups cover the entire cost to graduate a guide dog team. Once home you will be responsible for the cost of upkeep for your guide dog.

 

The dog breeds that we offer to our students consist of Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds. Our dogs are trained to work in a variety of environments including rural roads, small towns, large towns, college campuses, shopping malls, large cities, buses, trains, subways, and cars just to name a few. Please note that if you request a breed, gender, color, size, etc. your wait time may be impacted.

 

Listed below is information pertaining to the various training programs that Guiding Eyes for the Blind offers.

handler kneels to hug his new partner on the sidewalk during training

On-Campus Program

We host On-Campus guide dog training at our training center in Yorktown Heights, NY. Students stay in their own private rooms. Meals in our famously delicious Rosie’s Café are prepared to suit each student’s needs. Training begins on our campus and progresses to nearby towns and cities.  Eventually, students train in custom locations which can include New York City to individually prepare them for their home environment. On-Campus instruction typically lasts for 12 days. Timing of On-Campus instruction can be tailored to your schedule with more or less time on campus provided on an as-needed basis.

Home training student with Lab targeting residential gate latch

Home Training

Training in your home area is available for individuals who aren’t able to attend our On-Campus training due to obligations such as childcare, work, caring for an elderly parent, etc.  Our Home Training program may be an option for both first-time and repeat guide dog users.  Training scheduling and length is flexible based on your needs and will be conducted in your home environment for 12 days on average but can vary depending on your experience working with a guide dog and progression in training with your new dog.

Specialized Training student with leg braces and mobility support as well as guide dog

Specialized Training

Students can be served through the On-Campus or Home Training Programs. Specialized Training instructors design training programs suited to accommodate each student’s individual needs. These instructors are also trained in tactile American Sign Language to communicate with those who are DeafBlind.

Mariana & Einstein run together on a path

Running Guides Program

Designed for active individuals who would like to be able to use their guide dog for exercise runs in their home environment. This training is an add on to our other programs. Dogs trained through this program enjoy moving about and staying active, just like their handlers. Participants first complete basic guide dog training and learn to work their guide dog at a walking pace, once the team establishes a rapport and history of safe travel together running is introduced.