Our Dogs

Eye Dog Foundation trains German Shepherds, both male and female. The dogs come from a variety of sources. Eye Dog’s breeding program and a network of generous German Shepard breeders provide the majority of the adult dogs, and all of the puppies for the foster family program. Family homes, and occasionally, rescue organizations also donate adult dogs for training. Most of the dogs have working dogs of various types in their pedigree. All dogs, regardless of background, must pass the medical screening as well as a suitability evaluation before starting training as a guide dog.

If you’re looking for a way that you can help make a difference, please see how you can Donate an Adult Dog or Become a Puppy Raiser.

Puppies begin their socialization and obedience training as soon as they are placed with their foster family, usually around 8 – 12 weeks of age. Friendliness, good manners and self-control are what every puppy raiser strives to teach their young dog. All raisers come to training classes at the training center at least once a month. Additional outings with individual puppies allow the puppy program coordinator to closely supervise each dog as they mature.

This new phase of the dog’s life includes three types of training. The games of puppyhood have become more serious. Obedience work is the foundation. Training takes place in many different areas, building responsiveness to command and resistance to distraction. Agility training is pure fun as far as the dogs are concerned. As trainers, it is used to increase confidence, focus, and as a socialization tool. The dogs are introduced to the harness to begin guide training in rural and park settings.

Each dog is allowed to progress at their own pace. As they grow in confidence and become more proficient at their job, the dog’s training moves to more complex areas. The dogs are expected to become more responsible and reliable as they learn the technical parts of guide work. Each dog develops into a working tool that fits a certain type of person and working life.

It is understood that breed preference is part of what may lead a person to apply to Eye Dog Foundation for training. However, the decision to work with a German Shepherd is not one to be made without plenty of thought. Make sure your reason for wanting a German Shepherd over another breed are those, which make it an exceptional guide dog.

Generally speaking, a German Shepherd is best suited to someone who will give the dog lots of work. The breed was designed to work as part of a team and they love their job. Too much time with nothing constructive to do will usually result in behavior most owners will not find pleasing. Their bloodlines are usually full of working dogs, which give them the instincts necessary to make a good guide dog. It also gives the dogs a lot of energy, which needs a consistent, well-planned outlet. They require and prefer a firm, loving boss. Most German Shepherd Dogs are naturally fast-moving, fast-thinking dogs with a lot of mental energy and desire to work. They are a sensitive dog and do best when treated with respect and handled in a manner that is consistent and fair. Keeping the standards for their behavior and work clearly understood is in everyone’s best interest.