Q.  When was the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind established in South Africa

A.  In 1953.  The Association is the only organisation involved in this field in South Africa being responsible for all aspects and quality control of guide dog services.

Q.  How long does it take to train a guide dog ?

A.  The actual training is around 6 months but S.A.G.A. is responsible for the puppy from the moment it is born. Formal guide dog training can only commence at around 12 - 18 months, depending on the breed. Therfore the entire training process can take on average 18 months.

Q.  How much does it cost to train a guide dog ?

A.  We ask donors to contribute R10,000 as a "sponsorship" towards the cost of training a single guide dog although the actual costs are closer to R58000. A puppy can be sponsored for R3500.

Q.  Do you breed your own guide dogs?

A.  Yes, we breed Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and cross Labrador/Golden Retrievers.

Q.  How much does a blind person contribute towards the cost of the training ?

A.  Because we want a guide dog to be available to any person regardless of their financial position, the blind person is asked to contribute R100.00 towards their board and lodging and R5.00 to purchase the dog.

Q.  How long does it takes to train a guide dog?

A.  Approximately 2 years, 12 – 18 months puppy rearing, followed by 4 – 6 months intensive assessment and training and a further 4 weeks of training/instruction with the applicant.

Q.  What is the guide dog’s job?

A.  The guide dog helps the owner to avoid obstacles; prevent accidents in traffic, to locate destinations and to be a constant companion enhancing life and providing independence.

Q.  Where do people who are blind learn to use a guide dog?

A.  From home, or in a residential rehabilitation setting, or a combination of both – whichever is seen to be the optimum learning environment.   Where possible, the decision is left to the applicant.

Q.  Does the applicant have to be totally blind to qualify for a guide dog?

A.  No, but visually impaired to the extent where the guide dog realises it is needed.

Q.  How is the guide dog thanked for doing a good job?

A.  By gently stroking under the chin and rubbing the chest while praising the dog verbally with genuine feeling.

Q.  How does the guide dog know where to go?

A.  He/she is taught how to locate general destinations during training e.g. chemist, butcher.  As the owner is well orientated to their area, specific destinations are taught during follow-up training.

Q.  Are you allowed to talk to or touch a guide dog?

A.  ALWAYS ASK THE OWNER FIRST ie only with the guide-dog owner's permission and only when the dog is off duty – NEVER at road crossings.

Q.  Are you allowed to feed a guide dog?

A.  NO.  It could jeopardise the guide dog teams’ life.

Q.  What is the guide dog like off duty – out of harness?

A.  A well behaved pet.

Q.  Has it ever happened that the guide dog does not like or work for a blind person or vice versa?

A.  Very rarely.Meticulous care and considerable time is taken when assessing and matching a new "team".

Q.  How long can a guide dog work for?

A.  Usually about 8 – 10 years, but this varies accoding to the health of the guide dog and aging process.

Q.  What happens if the guide dog team is faced with a problem that requires immediate intervention?  e.g. if a guide dog is attacked.

A.  An aftercare service ensures that they are visited within 24 hours irrespective of where the owner lives in South Africa.

Q.  What happens to guide dogs when they are too old to work?

A.  They retire, usually staying with the owner or if this is not possible they may live with a relative or close friend, or move into a companion dog role.

Q.  Is there a high rejection rate of the dogs you breed?

A.  No, we are approaching an 80% success rate.

Q.  Are there opportunities for people to qualify as a guide dog instructor or a guide dog trainer?

A.  Yes, however they are extremely limited.

Q.  Can the public visit the Guide Dog Centre?

A.  Yes, as individuals or groups.  Videos and guided tours are available.  Please write, telephone or e-mail for an appointment first and we will glady show you the training facility of which we are very proud of.

Q.  Are there any other guide dog centres in Africa ?

A. No S.A.G.A. is the only training center in africa.

Q.  Does S.A.G.A. receive any form of assistance from the government ?

A. No, all our funds come from donations as well as our own fundraising initiatives.

Q.  Who is the owner of the guide dog ?

A.  The client is asked to sign a contract with the Association whereby they purchase the dog for R5.00, however should certain conditions not be met then the Association reserves the right to repurchase the dog from the owner for the same sum.