Labrador and Golden Retrievers and first-crosses of Labs and Goldens are the dogs of choice for guide dogs throughout the world because they are highly trainable, responsive, intelligent and have calm temperaments. The dogs come in a variety of sizes and personalities which allow for a close match to the needs of a person who is visually impaired. One of their most important traits is their willingness to please.

About 63 days after the dogs have been mated, the pregnant bitches return to the breeding center from their boarding homes to give birth in our whelping center under the constant care of our breeding manager. The pups stay at the Center for the first two months and are then placed with puppy-raising families for one year under the supervision of the puppy-raising supervisor. The puppies become used to living with a family and are exposed to a variety of situations and environments designed to give them a broad range of experiences so that when they return to the center, they will have a good chance of being selected for further training as a guide dog.

The dogs are then trained for a period of five months, first in residential settings and then in downtown, busy areas. Obedience training is done throughout the training process. During the training period, the dogs are taught to stop at every up and down curb, to avoid obstacles including electric poles in the middle of sidewalks, concrete mushroom shaped barriers at corners, cars parked on sidewalks, holes in the pavement and low branches, to behave properly in shops and restaurants and to travel quietly on buses.

Toward the end of the training process, the dogs are matched with blind people for temperament, size and strength. For example, a soft, gentle dog without a strong pull would generally be selected for an older woman. The matching process is crucial to the success of the Partnership. First dog applicants are invited to the Center for a three-day assessment course to familiarize the client with a dog and the training process.

The training course lasts three weeks at the Center during which time the user learns how to take care of the needs of the dog and is instructed in the effective use of the guide dog through a series of daily walks in near-by towns. Following the course at the Center, the instructor then accompanies the clients to their homes and works with them in their normal environment for a week going to their place of work, to the bank, the market, the post office, to the vet and other places to familiarize the dog with the daily routine. At the end of the instruction period, there are a number of after-care visits made during the first month to assure that the dog is working effectively and to answer any questions. Instructors are available at any time to respond to the needs of the clients.

As in most countries, it is an offense to deny access to guide dogs in taxis, restaurants and public places.