The Center’s Goals and Activities:

The IGDCB was established in 1991, to provide safe mobility and independence for the blind in Israel and help them become an integral part of society and labor circles.

The Center graduates 20 partnerships each year. The current number of partnerships is over 140. The entire process takes place at the Center: Dog breeding and care; Dog training; Instruction of the blind.

The Guide Dog: instruction and follow-up aftercare are provided to the blind person at no cost.

The creation of a partnership:

Dog breeding

Puppy-raising

Dog training

Instruction course

Follow-up aftercare

Breeding:

Common breeds: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Hybrid ( Labrador-Golden cross), German Shepherd, others

Studs and Brood Bitches - At volunteer homes, or at a breeding center.

Breeding program - For behavior and anatomical patterns, elimination of genetic disorders, high fertility.

Puppy-raising:

Volunteer foster families raise the pups from the age of 7-8 weeks, for one year. Expose the pups to “human” environment - Family, guests, urban and country environments, stores, shopping malls, public transport, restaurants, etc. Basic training - House training, teaching basic commands. Tender loving care

Dog training:

Training takes 5-6 months. Initial evaluation : Health - History, physical examination, blood tests and radiographs; Social behavior - Foster family report, observation. Reaction to stimuli - Other dogs, cats, other animals, objects, noises

Training : Discipline - Work on a leash and response to hand and verbal commands; Guiding position - Turns, ignoring distractions; Regulating pace - Speed, turns, halts; Obstacle recognition - Sidewalk, road, various obstacles; Working in harness - Continue walks and obstacle training, in full harness. At more advanced stage - the trainer walks blindfolded; Working in various environments - Urban and country, public transport, shopping centers; Locating doors, stairs, cross-walks, bus stops

Course instruction:

A four-week course, four students in a class; At the Center - First three weeks: Orientation - Introduction to the Center’s facilities; Frontal lectures   Dog health and care, dog behavior and psychology, anatomy and physiology; Introduction to the harness and handle; Instruction - Walks with the dog under the instructor’s supervision; Gradual withdrawal of the instructor’s supervision; Walks along various routes; At the blind person’s home - Fourth week: Aquainting the dog to his new home and environment, under the instructor’s guidance; Introduction to new routes with the instructor

Aftercare:

Tightening of the bond - To full cooperation and harmony may take several months; Home visits - Routine periodic visits; Support and assistance - As needed by telephone or home visits; Guide dog replacement - Upon retirement of the dog