We arrived at the campus even though there was major construction going on, it was really nice and welcoming. We went to their current puppy building and joined about 6 other people and were given a talk about their program.
They use Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and a cross of the two. They have their own breeding stock dogs and those dogs live with volunteer host families. Their puppies get lots of early socialization (what we got to help out with) before being given out to volunteer puppy raisers who belong to puppy groups in areas all around the southeastern US. Their Dogs return to formal training usually between 12-16 months of age when they get evaluated and placed into one of their training programs. Yes they train for guide work, but they also train dogs for veterans with PTSD. So when the dogs return they evaluate the dog’s temperament and decide what career it is most suitable for. They also have dogs that are placed in other careers if guide or PTSD work isn’t the right calling for them, such as bomb sniffing dogs, facility dogs (like nursing home, rehab programs, or other therapy work), or placed with visually impaired children so they are more comfortable being around and taking care of a dog before getting a guide of their own when they are old enough. This school also depends on volunteers and donations to keep their program going, there is no government funding, and the recipients of their dogs do not pay to receive them.
Adorable seven-week old yellow labrador chillin’ in a saucer.
After we got the overview of the program we were given instructions of what we were going to work on with some of the puppies. The task that day was to help get the puppies comfortable with different surfaces. They put on the floor a variety of surfaces like grated things, carpet, things that wobbled, raised platforms, etc. Our job was to encourage the puppies to step and walk on these surfaces and have a positive experience. We all got some toys as well to help encourage the pups and to give them something appropriate to chew on that wasn’t our fingers and shoelaces.
And then came out the puppies! We were introduced to four precious 7 week old yellow labrador retrievers, full of energy and silliness. We all got a chance to pet, cuddle, play, and smell that wonderful puppy breath with each puppy. And of course try to get photos of puppies, who are in a constant state of motion, so not exactly the easiest thing to do.
Amie holds a male labrador pup in order to get her puppy fix.

I am so glad that I took the time to visit, this school seems to have a wonderful program. I believe that all guide dog schools have the same goal, to give visually impaired people greater independence. But each school I have visited (only 3 so far) is unique in its own way. There are so many people in need of guide dogs that there is no way only one school can fulfill that need. And just like colleges, not every school is going to be a perfect fit for every person.
Puppy raisers are always in demand for almost every service dog organization. I encourage anyone who is interested in helping out to look into what schools are around you or have puppy raisers in your area, many school have raisers that aren’t necessarily close to their campuses. Puppy raising is a lot of work, but it will change your life more than you can imagine. After having a little puppy fix, I’m looking forward to my next puppy raising adventure…hopefully soon.
For more details on our products and services, please feel free to visit us at: service dog info, service dog education, service dog in training, sdit, service dog in training acronym.