Guide Dogs

General Info / Articles of Interest

A Guide Dog is specially trained to provide mobility and independence to the visually-impaired user. A guide dog provides these services as a loving companion, he has a quiet and calm disposition, a high level of initiative and concentration while working, and a strong will to work.

The most common breeds used in assisting the visually-impaired are Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherd Dogs. Their intelligence, size and temperament make them ideal Guide Dogs.

In Canada, all provinces have adopted specific statutes to grant Guide Dog users the right of access. In most provinces, the statutes specifically state that no special conditions, terms, or fees can be imposed on a Guide Dog user because of the presence of a Guide Dog.

SNIFF - The Dog Movie Sniff The DOG Movie is now available as a limited edition Gala Release DVD!
10% of the proceeds from your purchase will go to a non-profit canine organization.

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— A fun and informative movie that follows the lives of dogs at work and at play; including the training of Guide Dogs and Search and Rescue Dogs. (Click on the play button below to watch the trailer.)

Organizations & Associations

  • BC & Alberta Guide Dog Services
    Dedicated to the further development of the Guide Dog movement in British Columbia. B.C. Guide Dog Services holds the aims and objectives of improved availability, and increased level of service/support through the provision of professionally trained Guide Dogs, for the visually impaired residents of British Columbia.
  • The Canadian Foundation for Animal-Assisted Support Services
    P.O. Box 279
    Winchester, Ontario, K0C 2K0
    Tel.: 613-774-0001
    E-mail: generalinfo@cf4aass.org
    Website address: www.cf4aass.org

    Vision Statement: Our vision is to support the innovation, coordination, and integration of Animal-Assisted Support Services.

    Mission Statement: Our mission is to receive and maintain a fund to build the capabilities of individuals facing physical, intellectual, emotional, behavioral, developmental, social and spiritual challenges through the use of animal assisted therapy and related services.

    Goals: To unite Animal-Assisted Support Services Stakeholders to identify core values and common priorities to stimulate collaborative action in the spirit of cooperation and inclusiveness. To inspire and ensure a consistent level of quality, safety, and End-user satisfaction.

  • Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind
    To assist visually-impaired Canadians with their mobility by providing and training them in the use of professionally trained Guide Dogs.
  • The Canadian National Institute for the Blind
  • Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society
    Mission: To provide highly skilled guide and assistance dogs, and ongoing training to persons with various disabilities.
    11343 - 174 Street, N.W.
    Edmonton, Alberta, T5S 0B7
    Email: johnw@dogswithwings.ca
    Phone: 780-944-8011, Toll Free 877-252-9433
    Fax: 780-944-9571
  • Guide Dog Users of Canada
    GDUC helps guide dog users maximize the benefits of mobility with a guide dog so that they may participate more fully in Canadian society.
  • Guide Dog Users Inc.
    GDUI is an international organization dedicated to advocacy, peer support, public education and all aspects of training, working and living with dogs specially-trained to guide blind and visually-impaired people.
  • Guide Dogs for the Blind
    Provides Guide Dogs and training in their use to visually impaired people throughout the United States and Canada.
  • Guide Dogs of America
    An International Guiding Eyes Program — Guide Dogs of America is dedicated to its mission to provide guide dogs and instruction in their use, free of charge, to blind and visually impaired men and women from the United States and Canada so that they may continue to pursue their goals with increased mobility and independence.
  • Guiding Eyes for the Blind
    An internationally recognized guide dog school.
  • International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP)
    A non-profit, cross-disability organization representing people partnered with guide, hearing and service dogs.
  • Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
    Lions Foundation of Canada is a federally incorporated charitable foundation founded by the Lions Clubs of Canada. Its mission is to provide service to physically challenged Canadians in the areas of mobility, safety, and independence.
  • Mira Foundation
    Objective: To bring greater autonomy to handicapped people and to facilitate their social integration by providing them with dogs that are fully trained to meet the needs of each individual, including Guide Dogs.
  • The Seeing Eye
    To enhance the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of blind people through the use of Seeing Eye dogs.
  • Worldwide Welcome Waggin' — Home of International Puppy Raisers
    Members of this organization are people who raise puppies that will serve as Assistance Dogs, including Guide, Service, Hearing and Seizure Response Dogs. Includes an e-mail list for members to communicate.

Reference Books:

Working Like Dogs - The Service Dog Guide Book
by Marcie Davis & Melissa Bunnell
The A-Z resource book for service dogs. A must read for anyone who is considering a service dog, has a service dog, is responsible for the care of a service dog, or anyone who wants to learn more about the service dog partnership.
— Available from Dogwise.com

 

 

Note: We are always in need of articles, stories, poems, etc. for the Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website. — Submissions are welcome and encouraged. Please feel free to contact us.

If you are part of a working dog group and would like to be listed here, simply email us with the details at guidetodogs@rogers.com and we would be pleased to include your information.