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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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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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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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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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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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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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.
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Teen Opportunities for Professionals
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.
Family, Friends and Supporters for the Blind
Join Us Monday, Sept 14 for a Virtual Group Meeting
Interested in learning more about blindness? Join our virtual group meeting to learn from others, build understanding, and discover ways to provide meaningful support to people who are blind or have low vision.
Change lives today by donating to the Summer of Hope Fund.
LAST CHANCE to take advantage of our Matching Gift Challenge
Support our $60,000 Matching Gift Challenge and have your gift DOUBLED!
Join Us For Dinner in the Dark!
Presented by AAA The Auto Club Group - March 20, 2026
Our signature fundraiser will take place at the Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township, MI. Every dollar raised supports life-changing programs at no cost to our clients, empowering people who are blind or low vision to live independent, confident lives.
The evening includes a family style dinner, an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, an ice cream and cannoli platter, an espresso station, and on-location parking.
A New Issue of the Faithful Friends Newsletter Is Out!
In our latest Faithful Friends newsletter, we highlight ways we are helping Leader Dog clients — and we invite you to learn how you can make a difference.