Welcome to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides

Canine Vision Canada

Canadians who are blind or visually impaired must find safe methods of mobility. On the streets, people who are blind must deal with cars, people, obstacles such as hydro poles and curbs and other stumbling blocks. Blind or visually impaired people must keep track of where they are in their environment at all times.

Typical Breeds
The most common breeds of dog used for the Canine Vision program are Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles and Golden Retrievers. These breeds, while being highly trainable, are considered to be the most adaptive to their frequently changing environment. The purebred pup is either born at our Breslau centre, or is donated to the Foundation. They are immediately sent to foster homes in the community to live, being socialized in different environments for their first year.

Training Program
When the pup reaches about one year of age he is returned to the school for assessment. Dogs who pass the program assessment and medical examination, are selected to begin an intensive 6 month training program.

For the handler to reach a goal of higher independence and mobility, both the dog and the handler need to be trained. The qualified applicant spends 26 days at our facility in Oakville, Ontario learning to handle, trust and bond with the already trained dog.

Entering the Community
The client and the Dog Guide then graduate as a team and can be identified by the now familiar CVC monogrammed black leather harness and leash. The Lions Foundation maintains contact with the team to ensure all is well with the team and will always be on-hand to be of help and assistance.

What to do when you meet a Canine Vision Canada Dog Guide Team?
How to Obtain a Canine Vision Canada Dog Guide from Lions Foundation of Canada?