I would like to train a dog for the blind?

Question

I have heard that you can keep them for a year and then give them away. I know that it would be very hard to do and give up but i am willing to try it. Has anybody ever done that? Any sites that tell you about?

Also, i have a dog already and he is 7 years old and since we rescued him when he was about 2 he came with some bad baggage.
My mom does not think that i can train this dog that i want to get because i did not know how to train a dog when i was 7 years old! Now i am 14 and i think i could handle it. I know she would have to do most of the work. Tell me some ways that i could convince her. She thinks that it would be a great thing to do and she is all for it, but it would be a lot of work on her part she says. Is it a lot of work?

So these are the questions:
Does anyone have any feedback on training a dog like this?
Is it a lot of work?
Anyone know of any sites?
How do I convince my mom that i can handle it?
Is it hard to give the dog up?
Do you have the option to keep it?

I know it is a lot to answer but all answers are open! Answer as many as you can and the person that gives the best answer will get the 10 points. Thanks a bunch and have a wonderful day!!

Answer 1

This site has everything you need to know.

http://www.assistancedog.org/

If you're just going to begin the training, you get the puppy until it is house broken and has at least basic obedience. Then it goes to a professional trainer.
Since you don't pay for the puppy, you don't get to keep it.
If your mom doesn't want you to do it, well, it's her house and she makes the rules. You have plenty of time.
It's ALOT of work, but worth it in the end.
Good luck!

Answer 2

Seeing-eye dogs require very qualified trainers. The first 18 months are spent socializing the dog (which you may be able to volunteer for). After that, the dog goes into an intensive, months-long training program. It takes a lot of diligence to perform all that training. Yes, it is very difficult to give the dog up. I have fostered tons of dogs and puppies, and after a week you can become desperately attached to a dog. I have cried for most of my fosters. Even though you know they are going to a great home and making another family very happy, it is hard to let go. If you are given a dog to train, no, you do not have the option to keep it. However, if you foster through a local rescue, the general rule is you get dibs on the dog you are fostering--but you are still responsible for adoption fees.

Different programs operate differently, but I have posted the link for one organization so you can check out their mission and learn about the intensity of the program.

Answer 3

There is a Place in Austin Texas that trains dogs for the handicap. You should be able to find their website by searching for service dog and Texas or Austin with your search engine. I do know that a dog will normally need at least 3 years of training before he will qualify as a seeing eye dog. I my self have a seizure alert dog and she warns me that I am going to have a seizure. It took 2 years to train her.

Answer 4

You need to conctact these people and see if they can help you understand what you are trying to do

http://www.seeingeye.org/AboutUs.asp