Four-legged heroes. The mission of guide dogs is to accompany visually impaired or blind people in their daily activities, whether at home or outdoors. But for this, the animals must be trained thoroughly.
This is the mission of the French Federation of Associations of Guide Dogs for the Blind (FFAC) since 1972.
Indeed, for fifty years, this organization has been responsible for supporting the people concerned. Over the years, a large network has thus been created.
From now on, the FFAC has its own puppy farms. There is one in Île-de-France, one near Angers (Maine-et-Loire) and a final one in Auvergne. But the FFAC is also at the head of seventeen education centers throughout the territory.
A training in 4 steps
Training a guide dog requires substantial work, which is sequenced in 4 stages. Initially, the dog must remain in weaning with its mother for at least two months.
In a second step, the education center is responsible for finding a foster family for the animal. It can be a single person or a couple, with or without children. However, it is requested not to live more than 30 kilometers from one of the training establishments.
Then, for a period ranging from twelve to fourteen months, a work of “pre-education” and socialization must be carried out. Indeed, the dog should not be left alone for more than three hours a day and must constantly be active or surrounded.
At the end of this period, the animal is sent to an education center. For six to eight months, the dog will then learn nearly 50 orders and rules. This ranges from the leash exercise, the identification of obstacles and the distinction of left and right. With his educator, the animal will also learn to adapt to the size of his future master and even to disobey him if the latter puts himself in danger.
At the same time, the trainer will analyze the different profiles, whether of the handler or the dog, according to different criteria (personality, walking pace, etc.).
Once the animal is ready, the “handover stage” is organised. The master is then invited to come and stay in the educational center, equipped, to get to know the animal.
Then, once the visually impaired or blind person has returned home, the educator will make as many trips as possible between the latter’s home and the center, so that the animal can adapt to its environment and that it feel comfortable there.
This training costs 25,000 euros to the FFAC but is free for people with disabilities. It includes education, but also food and vet fees.
A “career” of eight to ten years
Each year, between 220 and 230 guide dogs are trained. The FFAC has, in fifty years, accompanied nearly 6,000 “students”. Their career lasts between eight and ten years maximum.
At the end of their mission, several solutions are available to the animal. It can be adopted by its master, as a “pet”.
It can also be accommodated by host families, generally in a calm and green environment.
Certain favored races
To accompany people who need it, certain breeds are preferred. Indeed, 80% of guide dogs are Labradors, renowned for their adaptation, their character or their way of life. For children, the ideal dog would be the Saint-Pierre, for its temperament.
People allergic to dog hair will be assigned a royal poodle, for the hypoallergenic capacity of its coat.
How to benefit from it?
To benefit from a guide dog, a blind or partially sighted person must contact the association closest to their home and fill out a form.
An appointment with a multidisciplinary team is then organized to find out if the guide dog is the best option.
If the file is validated, it takes between one to two years of waiting to benefit from an animal, depending on its geolocation.