Why choose a guide dog from us?
Your highly-skilled guide dog will change your life, boost your confidence, and restore your freedom. You’ll get the healthiest, best-behaved dog with a top-notch pedigree and thousands of hours of training. And you don’t pay anything! We provide your dog, online and in-person training, lifetime alumni support, dog food, and preventative veterinary care at no cost.
Watch this behind-the-scenes video, then come join the Southeastern Guide Dog family!
What makes our guide dogs extraordinary?
It starts with decades of selective breeding, backed by science and genetics. We add in thousands of hours of training, care, and, best of all, love. These dogs are healthy, eager to please, and ready to go.
Every guide dog begins learning at just two days old, as they quickly discover that humans are their best friends. As puppies, we socialize and expose them to the big wide world, instilling confidence and resilience.
Before matching with their new favorite humans, guide dogs learn about 40 advanced skills at the hands of expert instructors. Next, it’s time for you to learn what they’ve already mastered. That’s why we train you, too!
Harness on? They love to work. Harness off? You’ve got yourself a playmate and companion, ready for belly rubs, snuggles, and a run around the yard. And a nap, maybe with a snore or two. Until you say those magic words: “Let’s go!”
With a guide dog, you’ll find freedom. Confidence. And a life on the go, at the speed of you. Get ready to hold your head high and take on the world!
Our Guide Dog Programs
Guide Dogs for Adults & Veterans
Guide dogs turn darkness into light for people with vision loss. These expertly-trained dogs open doors to confidence, independence, and hope. We will carefully match you with your ideal dog, then teach you everything you need for a lifetime of success.
Guide Dogs for Teens
Ready for more independence? For mature teens with vision loss, a guide dog can rock your world, even before you finish high school. We’ll train you on our campus and in your hometown and school. Pro-tip: our no-cost, overnight Guide Dog Camp can pave the way for you and your parent.
Guide Dog Camp for Teens
Freedom starts here! At Guide Dog Camp, 14- to 17-year-old teens with vision loss and their parents learn how a guide dog can change a teen’s life. There’s no charge for this overnight, two-day camp. Campers learn about working with a guide dog and so much more. Pssst! You might even cuddle some puppies here!
Alumni Support: We've Got You Covered!
At Southeastern Guide Dogs, we are pleased to offer you the most robust Alumni Support Program in North America. We offer lifetime follow-up for all guide and service dog graduates, including premium dog food and preventative veterinary care, at no cost.
Guide Dog Training and Campus Life
We have designed our training course to provide you and your new dog the highest opportunity to succeed together. Your dog has already trained for about two years, and now it’s your turn to learn.
Start with Online Learning
Students accepted into our program will begin training from the comfort of your home through our Online University. Here, you’ll gain an excellent foundation.
Your Campus Stay
For students training on our lovely campus, you and your dog will stay for 20 days in private, artfully furnished rooms. With chef-prepared meals and a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll feel like you’re on a working vacation! Learn more about campus life here.
Hands-on Instruction
With a low instructor-to-student ratio, your personalized, hands-on instruction will equip you to navigate with confidence.
If we do say so ourselves—you’re going to love it here. Our 99.9% student satisfaction speaks volumes! And there’s never any cost to you.
“This school is not only enabling me to enjoy the fullness of life, but as a professional who is having a highly successful career, because of one of these fine dogs.”
— Thomas G. Weidner, PhD | George & Frances Ball Distinguished Professor | Ball State University
“I wish I hadn’t waited so long to get my dog.”
Choosing to apply for a guide dog is a big step. Is it worth it? What’s life like after getting a dog? These are questions only our graduates can answer, and they’re happy to share.
Watch as these alumni share their experiences, and you’ll get a full 360º view of what it’s like to become part of the Southeastern Guide Dogs family.
