CNIB Kicks Off 100th Year with Launch of Guide Dog Training Program

Guide dogs-in-training practice commands with their trainers Andrew and Karen. (CNW Group/CNIB)

Volunteer Puppy Raisers Needed in Toronto, Winnipeg and Halifax

TORONTO, April 26, 2017 /CNW/ - CNIB is beginning its 100^th year with the launch of the CNIB Guide Dog Program to raise and train guide dogs – exclusively for people with sight loss. The program's first two puppies have arrived in Canada, with more pups expected over the next year. The first puppies are expected to graduate from their training and be matched with users in late-2018.

CNIB is seeking animal lovers in the Toronto, Winnipeg and Halifax markets who would like to be Puppy Raisers by taking a puppy into their home from the age of eight weeks to about 12 to 15 months of age, when formal guide dog training begins. The Puppy Raiser's role is to provide a loving home to a puppy in training and to help prepare the pup through a supervised obedience and socialization skills program overseen by CNIB. All costs will be covered by CNIB.

"The CNIB Guide Dog Program has been designed to provide the range of choices and services that Canadians with sight loss have told us they want," said John Rafferty, CNIB President and CEO. "Our focus is to train guide dogs to specifically meet their needs, with training philosophies that maximize success and a suite of supports to ensure every guide dog user has full enjoyment of their guide dog."

There are almost half a million blind and partially sighted people in Canada. For some, a guide dog provides an unparalleled level of mobility, freedom and confidence —opening up the world in a whole new way. While other guide dog training programs exist in Canada and internationally, CNIB's new Guide Dog Program will increase the number of Canadian-trained dogs and expand choices and opportunities for people who want to become guide dog users. 

CNIB has begun the process of gaining accreditation from the International Guide Dog Federation for the program, which will include the following features:

• A blindness focus: CNIB will only train dogs to work as guide dogs for blind and partially sighted users.
• The highest quality standards: CNIB will be working with Golden and Labrador Retrievers and crosses thereof, from top quality guide dog breeders.
• Flexible training options: Guide dog training will be tailored to the needs of each guide dog partnership, and may include options to train from centralized locations or in the user's home community.
• No cost to the user: Guide dog users will not pay for their dog, the training or the follow-up support provided by CNIB. All costs will be covered through charitable donations.
• A full suite of value-added services: CNIB will provide follow-up support throughout the dog's working life, including additional and refresher training, peer support and social groups.
• A commitment to rights: CNIB will advocate with guide dog users to increase public awareness and break down barriers that impede accessibility and infringe on their rights.

"I think anyone who would like to have a guide dog should have the opportunity, so I'm pleased this new program will expand the availability of guide dogs in Canada," says Victoria Nolan, CNIB national board member and long-time guide dog user. "I'm also glad that advocacy on accessibility, the built environment and guide dog user rights is central to the program. Wouldn't it be great if any guide dog user anywhere could get into a cab or have a coffee with friends without discrimination?"

Visit cnibguidedogs.ca for more information about the CNIB Guide Dog Program, including how to apply to be a volunteer puppy raiser or stay up-to-date on the program.

About CNIB

CNIB is a registered charity, passionately providing community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life. To learn more, visit www.cnib.ca or call the toll-free CNIB Contact Centre at 1-800-563-2642.

SOURCE CNIB

For further information: For media enquiries, please contact: Shannon Simpson, Manager, Communications, CNIB Ontario, T: 1-888-233-1232 ext. 5147, C: 226-377-2801, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.cnib.ca