Family and Friends
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the virtual learning options or would like to learn more about a topic, please email Leslie Hoskins or give her a call at 248-650-7104.
Preparing Your Home for a Guide Dog
Are you preparing for your friend or family member to bring home a Leader Dog? Learn what you can do to help with this transition. It's important not only that everyone behaves appropriately but also critical to make sure the home environment is ready and safe for a dog.
Supporting a Leader Dog Client After Training
Find out how you can be supportive and help your family member or friend after they participate in a Leader Dog program. This presentation outlines what to expect when training is complete, transitioning to the home environment, when to offer assistance and more.
What is O&M?
Have you heard the term "O&M" but have no idea what it means? Learn about orientation and mobility (also known as white cane training) and about Leader Dog's unique approach to white cane training.
Client Testimonials
Here clients will share their Leader Dog training stories in hopes of encouraging others. Three clients will express their sentiments towards Leader Dog and how they only wish they would have attended training sooner!
Family Testimonials
Family members and friends are sometimes nervous when their loved one leaves for training. These stories will help ease your nerves and get you excited about the life-changing experience your family member or friend is going to have!
Campus Tour
Check out the Leader Dog campus and where people stay during training! Here you will get an inside look at the canine development center, including the vet clinic, canine villages, puppy area and more, and the residence building.
Programs and Services FAQs
Do you have some questions about Leader Dog and our programs and services? We've taken some of our most frequently asked questions and had our experts answer them! If you have additional questions please send them our way and we'll be happy to answer them for you!
When is it Time to Consider Using a White Cane?
How do you know when it's the right time to get a white cane? Where do you get a white cane and how do you learn how to use it? During this short presentation you will learn the history of the white cane and how or when to get started.
Making a Guide Dog Application Video for Leader Dog
Getting ready to apply for training at Leader Dog? Leader Dog requires a video with your application to find out more about your mobility skills and prep the best training for each applicant. View a sample application video and learn what is important to include and some tips and tricks for the videographer.
What to Expect When Applying to Leader Dog
Have you ever wondered about the application process for Leader Dog programs? This video shares what to expect when applying to Leader Dog including what to bring and how to prepare.
Descriptive Yoga
Have you ever considered trying yoga? This video provides a one-hour descriptive yoga session provided by yoga instructor, Heidi Hess. Heidi walks participants through some common yoga poses that can be beneficial for body awareness, balance and strength.
The Unique Matching Process of Handler and Guide Dog
Have you ever wondered how guide dog mobility instructors (GDMI) find the perfect guide dog for individuals who are blind or visually impaired? During this video you will learn what GDMIs look for in both the client and guide dog and how complete the unique matching process.
Collaboration Events
Collaboration Events are an opportunity to spotlight other organizations within the blindness and low vision field to learn about additional available resources. While Leader Dog has many programs and services to offer, we are not alone and there are numerous other organizations that could be of great benefit to our contacts. These events are held the last Wednesday of every month at 3 p.m. EST and are open to anyone.
Get your invite to upcoming Collaboration Events.
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the virtual learning options or would like to learn more about a topic, please email Leslie Hoskins or give her a call at 248-650-7104.
Want to know when new resources are added to this page?
Alumni Hour
Alumni Hour is an exclusive space for Leader Dog graduates and incoming clients to connect and share experiences. A guide dog mobility instructor and certified orientation and mobility specialist will be present to discuss new topics and get feedback from this exclusive group. Please join the live Zoom meeting the first Wednesday of every month. If you have not received an email invitation, please email Leslie Hoskins or call her at 248-650-7104 to get on the list.
Alumni Facebook Group
Haven't joined the Leader Dogs for the Blind Alumni group on Facebook yet? This group is for Leader Dog graduates and incoming clients to meet, share thoughts and stories, and support each other. We share important announcements and news from Leader Dog for our clients here as well. You can find the Facebook group here.
Preparing Your Home for a Guide Dog
Are you getting ready to bring home a Leader Dog? Learn how to prepare yourself, your family and your home.
Guide Dog Readiness
Are you ready for a guide dog? Learn from our certified orientation and mobility specialists and guide dog mobility instructors about strategies to prepare yourself and decide if now is the right time for a guide dog.
What is O&M?
Have you heard the term "O&M" but have no idea what it means? Learn about orientation and mobility (also known as white cane training) and about Leader Dog's unique approach to white cane training.
Accessible Pedestrian Signals
Ever wondered what those beeping poles are at intersections and/or how they work? Learn what Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) are and what they are not, how they can assist with orientation and mobility, and how to request an APS in your area (download sample letter).
