1. Guide Dog Preparedness
-How to know when, why and which students are ready-

2. Learning Objectives Required O&M skills How to prepare a student
Guide dog Pros and Cons (Lifestyle impact)
IGDF Standards
Leader Dog Standards
Researching guide dog organizations

3. Questions to ask yourself
Is the student an independent cane traveler?
Does the student have good orientation skills?
Is the student able to analyze traffic patterns at a variety of intersections and cross safely?
Does the student have functional residual vision?
Does the student willingly travel in adverse weather?
Is the student emotionally mature and psychologically stable?
 Is the student capable of exercising good problem solving skills when faced with an unusual situation?
Is the student cognitively and physically capable of handling and walking with a guide dog?
Why does the student want a guide dog?
Is the family and/or school supportive?
Does the student have independent daily living skills?

4. Required O&M Skills
•Confidence in independent travel •Good orientation & problem-solving skills •Ability to travel without relying solely on tactile feedback •Understanding of time/distance/rate •Ability to detect flat/blended curbs •Ability to analyze intersections and cross safely

5. How to prepare your student
Practice human guide/Juno walks 
Emphasize time/distance/rate
Focus on non-tactile feedback (auditory cues and non-tactile landmarks )
Encourage building stamina
Assist with developing routes 
Refer to other professionals regarding balance/strength concerns
Assist with advocating/educating the school body

6. Video description: Juno walk, student making correct walking right turn.

7. Video description: Juno walk, student making incorrect walking right turn.

8. Video description: Juno walk, correct curb detection

9. Video description: Juno walk, curb detection, stopping too early

10. Video description: Juno walk, street crossing

11. Lifestyle Impact Pros: Companionship Social interaction
Navigates around obstacles
Faster paced
Traffic safety
Cons:
“Parking a dog:”
Grooming
Unwanted social interaction
Costs associated
Care
Retirement/passing
Long term commitment

12. Researching guide dog organizations
What type of post-graduation home support is offered?
Will the organization offer field visits to your school or college?
What is the ownership policy?
Is any vet care assistance provided?
Is contact with puppy raisers allowed?
Is there any charge for the client?
What are the facilities like?
Where is the organization located?
What is the organization's reputation?
Is the organization IGDF accredited?
What other programs does the organization offer?
What service models are offered?
Which breeds of dogs are used?

13. IGDF Standards Motivation Leadership role Physical ability
Functional orientation
Sufficient work
Vision loss that causes dependency on guide dog
Hearing
Positive home environment
Financial capabilities

14. Leader Dog Additional Standards
Independent self-care skills
Socially appropriate behavior
Solid work ethic
16 years or older
Seizure free for at least 6 months
Deaf/blind must know ASL

15. Are these students guide dog ready?
Skills Analysis
Are these students guide dog ready?

16. Video description: student approaches intersection and asks for assistance

17. Video description: confusion regarding orientation, requires prompts.

18. Video description: student unaware of location, requires prompts.

19. Video description: Student crossing lighted intersection

20. Video description: Student crossing 2 way stop intersection.

21. Myths or Truths? A guide dog will compensate for veering
A guide dog knows when the light is green and therefore can determine when to cross at an intersection
Guide dogs are perfect dogs
Guide dogs don’t chase squirrels or small animals
Some guide dogs are specially bred to be hypoallergenic
Guide dogs protect their client
There are guide dogs that fit every lifestyle

22. Myths or Truths?
A friend can submit an application as a gift for a Leader Dog candidate
All AOM clients want a guide dog
Find the lasagna is a command
Client must be between the ages of 16 & 85
Clients with 20/20 vision can receive a Leader Dog
A client can order a home delivery online
Clients receive free ownership of Leader Dog when they leave

23. Myths or Truths?
Leader Dogs are trained to recognize Spanish commands.
Clients can use Leader Dogs and wheelchairs at the same time.
Each instructor trains six teams of students and dogs at one time.
Autonomous robots will eventually replace Leader Dogs and canes.
A Leader Dog has access to all public accommodations.
Females make better Leader Dogs.

24. Questions?

25. Contact Information
Christie Bane, COMS, GDMI Margaret Winn, COMS Leslie Hoskins, COMS