Service dog

A service dog is a trained dog that assists visually impaired individuals in navigating their environment.

Guide Dog Training Program

The training of a guide dog lasts for eight months and includes essential obedience exercises, curb and stair marking, obstacle avoidance, locating pedestrian crossings, bus and tram stops, and guiding in traffic. Beyond mastering commands, the dog must independently determine the safest and most suitable solutions in various situations, enhancing the independence, safety, and mobility of the visually impaired person.

In the final phase of training, the instructor wears a blindfold to simulate the movement of a visually impaired person, avoiding visual communication with the dog.

Training Process

The training program begins with an initial assessment to select a guide dog that best matches the temperament and working characteristics of the candidate. Training for movement with a guide dog consists of six weeks of individual work with the user (five weeks at the Silver Center and one week in the user's place of residence).

During the training, the visually impaired person builds a connection with the dog, learns essential knowledge about the dog's care and health, and masters the commands learned by the dog during training. Upon completion, a Professional Committee from the Silver Center, along with a representative from the Croatian Association for Guide Dog Training and Mobility, evaluates the coordination and communication between the user and the guide dog, ensuring safe and efficient movement.

Navigation and Mobility with a Guide Dog

After completing the training at the center and passing the final assessment, the user and their guide dog begin route development in the user's living environment. Movement with a guide dog requires good spatial orientation, knowledge of familiar routes, and traffic assessment, while the guide dog ensures safe navigation.

Using a guide dog not only enhances safety and mobility but also helps break social barriers by increasing public awareness of the capabilities of visually impaired individuals.

Working Life and Retirement of a Guide Dog

The average working life of a guide dog with a user is 7 to 8 years. After this period, based on the assessment of the professional team, the dog is retired.

⚠ Please never distract a guide dog while it is working, as this can divert its attention and endanger the life of the visually impaired person.