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What is a Guide Dog?
A Guide Dog for the blind is a specially reared and trained animal assistant for a Blind or Visually Impaired Person. The dog undertakes 2 years intensive training before it is matched with its new owner.
Who Needs a
Guide Dog?
Any blind
person in these categories:
- University and trade school
students
- Persons in or seeking work
- Sight loss due to accidents
- Reduced vision caused by
degenerative diseases
Why Have a Guide Dog?
A guide dog
is a needed tool not only for mobility, but also to gain both independence and
self-confidence.
How is it trained?
At the age of 8 weeks it is placed in the care of a volunteer 'Puppy Walker' who helps with general obiedience, roadcraft, spending commands, etc. The dog or bitch is neutered during this phase. At 18 months a period of intense schooling starts, under the guidance of a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor. At around 22 months the Guide Dog meets its new owner and they are taught to meet all possible hazards together before final graduation. The Instructor monitors their performance every month for the first year, then at frequent intervals thereafter to ensure a high standard.
How many Guide Dog owners are in Malta?
As of June 2008, only one but more fully trained animals are to be purchased from European Schools over the next year. Clients for these dogs have been selected. A brood bitch will be imported later so that dogs can be reared and trained locally.
What can I do to help?
The Foundation is always looking for volunteers to assist with Administration, Puppy Walking, obtaining sponsors and organising fund raising events. Complete the contact form on the site if you wish to help.
Can a Guide Dog Owner go anywhere in Malta?
Just about the only public places that the partnership is not allowed to go are - Resaurant Kitchens, Hospital special wards, Toilets and premises where other animals are kept. In essence, a Guide Dog can only be useful to its owner if allowed access to all locations that are accessible to a normally sighted person. This includes, Hotels, Retaurants, Public Transport, Offices, Ferries, Banks etc. The Equal Opportunities Act 2000 states that it is illegal to discriminate against a disabled person who needs an assistant, in this case, a Guide Dog.
Do you train dogs locally?
We are able to carry out initial obiedience training with volunters and to be able to offer a full course once our own Mobility Instructor graduates from a 2-3 year course.
I have an unwanted puppy, will you train it?
No - the chances of a puppy that has not been reared from Guide Dog stock will succeed as a qualified guide Dog are very slim. Indeed, it's all in the genes.
Can a Guide Dog fly in an aicraft cabin with its owner?
An EU regulation enforced across Europe in 2008 should ensure that an assistance dog may accompany its owner in the cabin so long as the dog is mentioned when booking, meets the conditions of the EU Pets Travel Scheme and that a special harness which attaches to the seat belt is used. There should be no extra charge for this service. Journeys within the Schengen Area may require a temporary import permit. The UK and Eire will continue to have special conditions. Ask the airline for help.
Is the Foundation recognised abroad?
The Foundation was established in 2006 and as soon as a training facility has been in full operation for two years it may apply for membership of the International Guide Dog Federation. The foundation is recognised by the European Guide Dog Federation.
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