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Graduates

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.

You're also invited to join us on the Leader Dogs for the Blind Alumni group on Facebook. 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.

Interested in applying for a program at Leader Dog? Explore Guide Dog, Orientation and Mobility or Teen Summer Camp.

What is O&M?

What is OM 1

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.

Guide Dog Readiness

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.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals

APS video cover

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).

Preparing Your Home for a Guide Dog

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.

Making a Guide Dog Application Video for Leader Dog

Video Application Information

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.

Programs and Services FAQs

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!

Descriptive Yoga

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

matching process screenshot

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.

Human Guide for Individuals Who are Blind or Visually Impaired

Human Guide for People Who are Blind

Wondering how you can help someone who is blind or visually impaired? Learn how to offer assistance and help guide someone safely. You can also download our human guide brochure for handy techniques.

Life Cycle of a Leader Dog: Breeding

breeding webinar screenshot

The breeding department discusses our breeding program and why we breed our own dogs. A volunteer breeding host shares their experiences as they prepare to return their most recent litter of puppies.

Life Cycle of a Leader Dog: Puppy Raising

puppy raising webinar screenshot (1)

Our puppy development department explains some new options for raising a puppy, and a puppy raiser shares about their puppy raising journey.

Life Cycle of a Leader Dog: Formal Training

life cycle webinar formal training

The training department discusses our formal training process and what it takes to become a Leader Dog. They also discuss why a dog may be career changed from the program.

Planning for the Arrival of a New Leader Dog

planning for a Leader Dog

Gather some tips to help you make a smooth transition to your home environment with your new Leader Dog! Learn about some things to consider prior to bringing your dog home after graduation.

Planning for Time Away from Your Leader Dog

planning for time away from a Leader Dog

Are you planning a trip without your Leader Dog? This video discusses some considerations to make when arranging for your Leader Dog to be away from you.

Working Your Leader Dog in Extreme Weather

working your Leader Dog in extreme weather

Here are some tips to help you when you must go out in extreme weather (both hot and cold) with your Leader Dog! Learn about some things to consider prior to being out in different weather conditions.

Life Cycle of a Leader Dog: Class

life cycle webinar class

Learn about the Leader Dog class experience and the final phase of the life cycle of a Leader Dog. Clients are matched with a guide dog and learn how to navigate the world together.

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.

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A collage of guide dogs for the visually impaired, featuring twelve different Labrador Retrievers in training harnesses, displaying various coat colors including black, yellow, and chocolate. The dogs are arranged in a grid with a colorful background.

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