This page is dedicated to Guild Assistance Dog Partners and their mission to
make the world a better place one dog at a time
Visit The Official GAP Dogs Site
About Their Program
Guild Assistance dog Partners, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to placing trained dogs with individuals with varying disabilities. Each dog is individually trained for their partner, depending on that persons needs. The dogs and their training are provided at no cost to them. There is a nominal charge for the equipment that the dog uses and a $25.00 application processing fee. All funding for Guild Assistance dog Partner, Inc. is provided by donations by both individuals and corporations. We do not receive any funding or support from the government, either state or federal.
Puppy Raising Program
Puppy raisers help ensure the Guild Assistance Dog Partner puppies are well behaved in all situations. By being introduced to a variety of people, our puppies become steady and reliable in new situations and unfamiliar locations.Puppies are placed in foster homes at about eight weeks of age. They will live with their raisers for the nest 12-18 months. Raisers are expected to take their puppy with them almost everyplace they go. Whether they’re shopping at the mall, walking around the neighborhood, riding the RTD, or being a passenger in a Radio Flyer wagon, each journey prepares the puppy for its future as an assistance dog. Play time is fun time and is an important part of every puppies training. Many of the games the puppies play will help in their ability to work later.The puppy-raising program provides an opportunity for a volunteer to make a difference in another person’s life. The program helps teach younger raisers about responsibility and raises their self-esteem. All of the raisers learn communication and decision making skills. Teens who participate in puppy raising have been shown to do better in school subjects such as reading and math.
Guide Dogs
Individually trained to meet the needs of a blind or visually impaired person. These dogs improve the mobility and freedom of that person. Guide dogs allow a person to travel about freely on their own without having to depend on friends or family all the time.
Service Dogs
Individually trained to meet the needs of a physically disabled person, these dogs help to make life easier for their partner. They are specifically trained for the needs of the person they will be working with. Not all physical disabilities require the use of a wheelchair. Some of these dogs will help pull wheelchairs, retrieve items their partner has dropped, open doors, stabilize, balance, etc.
Therapy Dogs
A therapy dog works in a facility with a professional (i.e. social worker, occupational therapist, speech therapist, special education teacher, librarian,etc.) and there clients. Therapy dogs can facilitate communication and trust from a client who may be able to relate easier to a dog who is non judgemental and accepting of everything. Therapy dogs have been shown to help improve the emotional bonding of autistic children.
Breeding Program
Guild Assistance Dog Partners, Inc. has their own breeding program. The main breeds used are Labrador Retrievers, (yellow, chocolate and black) Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds. Each puppy is temperament tested before being placed in a foster raiser home.Guild Assistance Dog Partners, Inc. occasionally accepts donations of dogs to be trained to help the disabled. These dogs need to be AKC registered with papers available. They must also be up-to-date on their vaccinations. Donated dogs will be temperament tested before being accepted for training.