Virtual Learning
Leader Dog’s virtual learning opportunities are designed for everyone, whether you’re considering applying for services, already receiving them, a graduate of a Leader Dog program, a family member or friend of someone who is visually impaired, or a professional in the field. You’ll notice that some learning options apply to multiple groups. We do ask that you complete the registration and follow-up surveys, where applicable. Your feedback is a tremendous help as we continue to strengthen and expand these resources.
If you have any questions or suggestions about the virtual learning options, or if there’s a topic you’d like to see covered, please email Leslie Hoskins at leslie.hoskins@leaderdog.org or call 248.650.7104.
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What is O&M?
Have you heard the term "O&M" but aren't sure what it means? Learn about orientation and mobility (also known as white cane training) and Leader Dog's unique approach to white cane training.
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Guide Dog Readiness
Are you ready for a guide dog? Hear 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.
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Client Testimonials
Hear from Leader Dog graduates about their experiences during training at Leader Dog. Three graduates will discuss why they wish they would have come to Leader Dog sooner!
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Campus Tour
Are you thinking about coming to training at Leader Dogs for the Blind and want to learn more about campus? Check out this video to learn more about the wonderful accommodations and what to expect on campus.
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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).
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Teen Opportunities at Leader Dogs for the Blind
Do you know a teenager who is blind or visually impaired and looking to learn more about orientation and mobility or guide dogs? This video discusses the programs at Leader Dog specific to teens including our Youth O&M and Teen Summer Camp.
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Human Guide for Individuals Who are Blind or Visually Impaired
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.
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Life Cycle of a Leader Dog: Breeding
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.
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Life Cycle of a Leader Dog: Puppy Raising
Our puppy development department explains some new options for raising a puppy, and a puppy raiser shares about their puppy raising journey.
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Life Cycle of a Leader Dog: 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.
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Planning for the Arrival of a New 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.
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Life Cycle of a Leader Dog: Class
Learn about the Leader Dog class experience and the final phase of the Lifecycle of a Leader Dog. Clients are matched with a guide dog and learn how to navigate the world together.
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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.
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Planning for Time Away from Your 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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Guide Dog Readiness for Professionals
In this course, learn how you can help prepare a client and set realistic expectations for a guide dog. Here we discuss the International Guide Dog Federation Standards and how to recognize if a client is ready for a guide dog. Guide Dog Readiness offers 1 ACVREP continuing education credit.
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A Practical Guide to GPS Lesson Planning
Participants learn how to incorporate GPS technology into O&M lessons. We share tips and tricks used during our Summer Experience Camp to keep clients engaged and motivated. Strategies for both individual and group lessons are presented. This course offers .75 ACVREP continuing education credit.
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Overview of Programs and Services
Learn about everything that Leader Dog has to offer. This video provides full explanations of our Orientation and Mobility Training program, Guide Dog training program and Summer Experience Camp for teens. This content does not offer continuing education credits.
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Overview of DeafBlind Guide Dog Program
Here participants will learn about Leader Dogs for the Blinds Deaf-Blind program including client qualifications and strategies used for training. This course offers .5 ACVREP continuing education credit.
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Juno Walks: What Are They and How to Provide Them
Do you have a student or client you're helping prepare for a guide dog? Would you like to perform a Juno walk but are unsure as to the best way or what materials to use? Participants will learn what a Juno walk is and how to perform one to assist their clients in preparing for a guide dog. This course offers .5 ACVREP continuing education credit.
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Outside of the Box O&M
The O&M team at Leader Dog shares some new outside of the box activities that have been implemented into O&M lessons, Summer Experience Camp and Virtual Summer Experience Camp. Participants will learn some activities that were a hit and some that could use some work. Additionally, have fun while participating in a virtual escape room. This course offers .75 ACVREP continuing education credit.
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Orientation of Guide Dog Users
Participants will learn about working with clients who have a guide dog and how to assist individuals orienting to new environments. Interacting with guide dogs, patterning and suggestions on when to use a cane are all discussed. This course offers .5 ACVREP continuing education credit.
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Leader Dogs for the Blind’s Approach to O&M
Orientation and mobility training at Leader Dog is very different from most O&M models. The weeklong program takes place on the Leader Dog campus in Rochester Hills, MI and is designed to improve clients’ skills in a shortened timeframe. Participants will learn about the program, what skills are covered and who would make a good candidate for the training. This course offers .5 ACVREP continuing education credit.