Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc.
The Best Dogs in Sight
Guide Dogs of Texas provides quality guide dogs for Texans who are visually impaired to increase their freedom, mobility and independence. We are committed to personalized service and lifelong dedication to our clients and their guide dogs.
San Antonio based Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc. compliments the fine services offered by national schools by providing a regional alternative. GDTx is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing mobility and independence to Texans who are visually impaired. The school excels in providing high-quality, personal one-on-one training and ongoing support after graduation.
Anyone residing in Texas, who is interested in a guide dog, goes through a simple application procedure. It is not necessary to be totally blind. Many guide dog users have some useful residual vision. Each applicant needs to have had training using a long cane and be sufficiently mobile to work effectively with a dog. Once a client is accepted, a careful analysis is made of what type of dog would be suited for them. When the training staff feels an appropriate dog is ready a "matching visit" is scheduled. The matching visit gives the client, their family and
any of their pets an opportunity to meet the dog before the client begins training.
After this, the client and the dog can begin their training class. During class, the client is shown how the dog has been trained to work, how to communicate with their dog, how to take care of it and how to overcome potential problems. The cost of receiving a fully trained guide dog from GDTx is $1.
Once the client gets home with their dog, the instructor will help them get settled in and begin to work with them on routes they use in their community. Aftercare, both for the regular annual visits and emergencies, and for any additional help that is requested, is available for all clients.
So what does a guide dog do? A guide dog is trained to lead its owner in a straight line, avoiding ground obstacles, overhead obstacles and obstacles on either side. The dog is trained to stop at curbs, at stairs, and locate things in their environment such as trashcans, seats, doors, elevators, and buttons.
The dog will maintain a straight line when crossing a road, thereby reducing time in the street, but will not decide when it is safe to cross. Making the judgment as to when it is safe to cross a road with a guide dog is identical to making that judgment when using a long cane and is the sole responsibility of the client.
Using a guide dog is a partnership and while the dog can recognize environmental clues such as a curb edge, the handler decides where to go and keeps the dog working correctly. When used properly, the guide dog offers a unique, safe, and effective form of mobility.
In addition to being a mobility aid, a guide dog can offer a new sense of freedom and connection with the community. Working in various environments with a dog builds a sense of confidence and independence.
The key to a successful working team is the right match between dog and handler. Rather than training people on a first-come, first-serve basis, GDTx carefully assesses the strengths and weaknesses of each dog and client. Speed of walking, working environments, distances of routes, and dog and client personalities are some of the many considerations used to make a match.
The small size of the organization allows a flexible and personal approach. Clients who cannot leave their job or family for a full four-week course can take advantage of partial or full training at their homes.
Classes are run by dedicated, energetic staff and are very small, with one or two clients training at a time. The small class size allows instructors the ability to address the individual needs and concerns of each client. The training program focuses on a unique philosophy of complete client care. Each team is advised, supported, and monitored not only during training but also throughout the lifetime of the dog. This on-going care promotes happy, relaxed, and confident teams.
Guide Dogs of Texas depends upon public donations to continue its work. You can help! Making a donation through our secure server is fast and easy, and when we receive your donation, we will send you an acknowledgement in the mail for tax purposes. Click the button below to make a donation.
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