Guide Dogs

Dogs were first trained to assist war-blinded soldiers in Germany after World War I. These efforts were noticed by an American lady living in Switzerland, Mrs Harrison Eustis, and she created the world's first organisation for guide dogs for the blind, called "L'Oeil Qui Voit". Similar organisations were started soon afterwards in the UK and the US.

Guide dogs are trained not just to assist their blind owners physically, but to help restore or boost self-esteem by enabling disabled people to help themselves.

Guide Dogs are professionals: they are bred, raising and trained to perform their role. Guide Dog training is also undertaken by professional instructors, who undergo a lengthy training procedure themselves in order to learn the necessary techniques to train the dogs and, of course, the future owners of the dogs.

More Reading

Training a "Seeing-Eye" Dog for the Blind
Dogs that provide mobility and independence for a blind person come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These dogs provide more than simply eyes for those who are blind. They become their companion, protector, and guide.

Interesting Websites

Guide Dogs Organisation - details of this UK organisation and how you can help, including recycling schemes for mobile phones, printer ink cartridges and stamps.

Blue Peter's Bark in the Park in support of Guide Dogs - get involved in this fun fund-raising event for UK kids. Fun website for kids, too.

Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc

The Puppy Place - information for those interested in becoming Puppy Raisers

International Guide Dog Federation - find information and links to over 70 guide dog organisations worldwide

Guide Dogs of America - informative site

Guide Dog coloring page (not great quality)

Super Guide Dog coloring page booklet - with information about guide dogs for children. There is also a word search puzzle for kids to enjoy.

Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind - information about volunteering, a stamps programme to raise money and puppy walking. There is a kids section too.

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