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F.A.Q.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Also See Our Q&A Message Board HERE
Why do we use AKC or pedigree dogs when there are so many dogs in the pound?
What happens to the guide dog after they retire or are disqualified?
Are Guide Dogs of the Desert Graduates only from California?
How much does it cost GDD to train a student/guide dog team?
Q: Why do we use AKC or pedigree dogs when there are so many dogs in the pound?
We don't use dogs from the pound because of their unknown background. Guide dogs must be capable of working for 6 to 8 years. Any donated dogs and breeders must have a clean pedigree dating back four generations before they are considered for guide work.
Q: What happens to the guide dog after they retire or are disqualified?
Handlers have the option to keep the retired guides or they may have Guide Dogs of the Desert place them in suitable homes.
Disqualified puppies are first offered back to the puppy raiser. If the raiser cannot take the dog, our waiting list of people wanting to adopt is consulted.
Some disqualified dogs are offered to programs that train dogs for fire and police department work. Some dogs are trained as drug, bomb and search and rescue dogs.
Retired guide dogs are often placed as Therapy dogs in rest homes and hospitals.
Puppy raisers are volunteers from all walks of life. School groups, Scouts and 4-H clubs also raise puppies for us.
Our puppies are being raised from New York to Alaska and Texas and everywhere in between. Puppy raisers just need to be able to give their time and energy in raising a puppy and constantly keep in mind the reason for doing this unselfish act of kindness.
Q: Are Guide Dogs of the Desert Graduates only from California?
Applicants and graduates come from all over the United States and Canada. At this time, we can only accommodate students that speak English and Spanish.
Q: Do we train blind people in wheelchairs?
This is a tentative serviced offered as part of our new mission of providing guide dogs to the blind with special needs.
Q: Do we train students who are both blind and deaf?
Our instructors are very limited in their knowledge of sign language. Deafness is not usually a problem but most often the person has some residual vision and uses the two compatibly. We are unable to service the profoundly deaf/totally blind at this time.
Q: How many Guide Dog schools are there in the United States?
There are 10 recognized guide dog schools in the United States
California is the only state that is regulated by a State Guide Dog Board through the Department of Consumer Affairs. The schools and its instructors must be licensed.
Instructors complete a regimented three-year apprenticeship program that includes a final examination consisting of a written, oral and practical exam. The practical exam must be completed under blindfold.
There are three guide dog schools in California. Guide Dogs of the Desert strives to maintain its low student ratio of 3:1. This ratio ensures personal "one on one" instruction and enables us to concentrate on the individual needs of the student.
Q: How much does it cost GDD to train a student/guide dog team?
It costs approximately $40,000 per team
Q: How does Guide Dogs of the Desert get their money?
GDD is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. GDD is supported solely on donations of the public, corporations and foundations. GDD receives no government funding.
Q: Where do the students come from?
GDD has 154 active graduates, living across the United States and Canada. Dogs are raised throughout the United States and the majority of placements are in Southern California, Nevada and Arizona.
Q: How much does it cost for the student?
Nothing. GDD provides the accepted student with a guide dog (free of charge), 28 days of training at our facility and post graduate services, free of charge.
Q: How long can a guide dog work?
The average life span of a guide dog is 6-8 years. When a current dog can no longer work, we provide the student with a new dog.
PHONE: (760) 329-6257 FAX: (760) 329-2127 EMAIL: CLICK HERE MAIL: P.O. Box 1692, Palm Springs, CA 92263
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