Basic Lifeskills and Orientation
& Mobility Training for blind Veterans.
Orientation and Mobility training at Guide Dogs of the Desert is customized for each veteran.
Veterans who are blind or visually impaired will work with an Orientation and Mobility Specialist to achieve independent travel in a safe, efficient, and confident manner.
Through the training, the veteran will depend on the use of other sensory skills, protective techniques, and assistive devices such as a long cane. Training may be provided in their home area, depending on the needs and location of the veteran.
Life Skills Training will allow the individual to adapt and perform tasks necessary for daily living such as shopping, cooking, and the use of computers.
For veterans who are interested in getting a guide dog, we offer a preparation course designed to teach the veteran the necessary travel skills prior to going through mobility training with their dog.
Transportation to Guide Dogs of the Desert, accommodations, training, and long-term follow-up services in their home area will be provided free of charge.
For more information, please contact Emily Goodland. Orientation and Mobility Specialist at 760-329-6257. |
Trina's Training Tip of the Month 
Problem: My dog is jumping on visitors when they come to our house
Solution: Anticipate the problem and place your dog on leash to greet guests at the door. As you approach the door, ask the dog to sit. Make sure he/she is back far enough that allows you to open the door. If the dog attempts to get up at this point correct with a leash correction for breaking the sit command. Invite your guest inside. Ask them to ignore the dog as you are working on appropriate greetings.
* The rule is that all four paws must remain on the floor before praise is earned.
*Prior to this the dog should understand the sit command.
Practice this exercise with family members prior to other guests coming over. The key is patience and persistence. Let your guests know they should ignore the dog so that he learns that everyone does not come to the house to make a fuss over him/her.
Eventually the dog will accompany you to the door and know that there is nothing exciting going on for him.
Trina Began
Director of Canine Development |
Graduating Class of
February 22, 2009
Congratulations to Amber and Hamlet and David and Kela, our February Graduates.
 
Both have learned to rely on their dog to guide them safely and securely around obstacles that might stand in their way. We wish you the best that life can offer! Congratulations!
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Albertsons Community Contributions Program
Guide Dogs of the Desert would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support when you use your Albertsons Preferred Card at the supermarket. Albertsons Community Contributions Program is a proud sponsor of Guide Dogs of the Desert and contributes a portion of what you purchase at the market to Guide Dogs of the Desert.
How you and Alberstons can help
Guide Dogs of the Desert
Please take a moment the next time you are at Albertsons to renew your preferred savings card or go online to WWW.ALBERTSONSCP.COM and follow the simple instructions.
All you need is your Preferred Savings Card Number and Guide Dogs organization ID
ID#: - 49000107620
It will only take a minute and will help us greatly.
If you do not know your Preferred Savings Card Number, please call: (877) 932-7948.
You must re-link your card at the website above in order to keep earning funds for Guide Dogs of the Desert. If you do not have a Preferred Savings card, you can get one at any Albertsons or online at Albertsons.com.
Every time you shop at Albertsons and scan your linked Preferred Savings Card, we will earn up to 4% of your shopping dollars!
Thank you for your support!
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