The role of a G.D.M.I. (Guide Dog Mobility Instructor) is a dual one … having to be a trainer of animals and a teacher of people. Whilst both roles are important the most essential is the ability to work with people.

A G.D.M.I. undergoes a 3 year training programme, most of which is practical based. The first 6 months is probationary where the Learner will spend most of the time in the kennels, as well as gaining experience with the Puppy Rearing Programme. He/she is also given a batch of 6 dogs and has to bring these up to class standard. At this stage the Guide-Dog Trainer must sit an internal examination and achieve a pass mark of 75%.

After a further 18 months of study and experience an examination to qualify as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor must be undertaken. The pass mark is 75%.

At this stage candidates are carefully reviewed to see if they can continue to become fully qualified Guide Dog Mobility Instructors which requires a further years training. Final examinations are undertaken to complete the qualification.