Meet our Dogs
Although we live in Washington State, we have 4-footed members who have been trained at many if not all the US guide dog training facilities. Rarely do people choose to train their own dogs, but we also have members who have chosen this alternative.
list of US dog guide schools
Most commonly, you will see Labrador retrievers, golden's, and shepherds, but some schools also train standard poodles, boxers, viszlas, Dobermans, and other large breeds.
List of links to the various breeds used for guide work
One problem we often encounter is loose or uncontrolled dogs. These are a hazard as they can distract our dogs from their work, even if their intent is only to play. Often the public is aware that they should not pet our dogs while they are in harness, but many do not understand that eye contact and tone of voice are also powerful distracters. It is best to ignore our dogs, cute as they are, and make communication directly with us. Many of us do enjoy talking about our dogs and, at times, can take a moment of distraction in this way in the proper setting.
Links about etiquette and distractions
One of our members in the news
Memorial Index page Link