What are the mobility alternatives to a guide dog?

There are a number of different mobility options for a person with a vision impairment to consider. For many people a guide dog is not the answer and we work with each person to find the right mobility solution for them, e.g. long cane and electronic aids.

At what age can you apply for a guide dog?

To form an effective team, a guide dog handler must be psychologically and emotionally mature and that is usually from 18 years and above.

Where do you get your dogs?

Our applicants receive their guide dogs from either Guide Dogs Victoria, Australia or Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind.

What breeds of dogs are used?

The Australia training center uses mainly Labradors. They have also crossed Labradors with Golden Retrievers, Curly-Coat Retrievers and more recently, Standard Poodles, to produce the now well-known Labradoodle.

The New Zealand training center uses mainly Labradors. They have also crossed Labradors with Golden Retrievers, Curly-Coat Retrievers and other breeds such as the Border Collie.

How long does it take to train a guide dog?

About 18 months: the first 12 months on the Puppy Raising Program; five - six months intensive training at the Center, followed by one month training with the vision impaired person to whom it has been allocated. The 'guide dog team' (person and guide dog) then receives three to five days of follow-up in the person's home area.

Is it possible for people to train with a guide dog in their own local area?

People can undertake their training with a guide dog either at the residential training center or at their own home area.

Can the dog judge width and height?

Yes. The dog is taught to judge its handler's width as well as its own. This enables the dog to safely guide its handler around other people, strollers, bicycles and so on. The dog is also taught to judge height, which enables it to guide the handler safely to avoid overhead obstacles such as over-hanging branches.

How does the dog know when to cross the road?

It is not the dog that makes the decision about when to cross a road. The handler has been taught how to use their hearing to assess the traffic flow. In general, the handler knows whether traffic is moving, or whether cars have stopped. The handler then gives the 'forward' command to the dog to cross the road. If the handler has not heard the approach of a vehicle, the dog will refuse the command and then proceed once the car has passed. If, after starting to cross the road, a vehicle approaches, the dog will stop until the car passes, before completing its crossing of the road.

How does the dog know where its handler wants to go?

Usually the handler tells the dog where to go. Before training with a guide dog, the handler will be well-oriented to their most often used locations, (e.g. to work, the local shop) so they know where they are going. Being aware of cues and landmarks (such as a curb or a dip in the pavement) enable the handler to know how to direct the dog to their destination. Having traveled the route a number of times, the dog will become familiar with and remember the route. As a matter of fact, guide dog handlers have reported that their dogs have remembered a particular doorway or house, even when they have not visited the place for twelve months or so.

Are guide dogs allowed to travel on public transport?

Guide dogs are allowed to travel free on all forms of public transport including trains, buses, taxis and the passenger section of an aircraft. Guide dogs are also allowed to enter any public place including restaurants, theatres, hotels and motels. It is an offense to refuse entry to a person accompanied by a guide dog.

What is the average working life of a dog?

The dogs are normally about 18 months old when they are allocated to a vision impaired person and should have about 8 - 10 working years ahead of them. However, there have been dogs which have worked for longer periods.

Can a guide dog be patted?

When a guide dog is in harness it is working and needs to concentrate on leading the handler around safely. If the situation allows, the handler may be able to take the harness off, signaling to the dog that it is okay to play and be patted.

Does the dog ever go out as an ordinary pet?

Yes. The guide dog is taught it is on duty when in harness. When out of harness, it behaves just like any family dog.