FAQ About Employment

What jobs work with guide dogs?

There are four different careers that work with guide dogs at Guide Dogs of Texas.

• 1. Kennel Manager (Takes care of the dogs in the evenings and weekends and runs the Volunteer Boarding program).

• 2. Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, GDMI (Trains Guide Dogs, Visually Impaired Clients and Apprentice GDMI’s).

• 3. Puppy Program Manager (Oversees the Puppy Program and assists all the Volunteer Puppy Raisers).

• 4. Director of Training (Oversees Puppy and Advanced Training, the Kennel, Apprentice Training, and Client Programs).

What does a Guide Dog Instructor do?

A GDMI trains both guide dogs and visually impaired Texans who will use guide dogs. Instructors start with dogs that have graduated from the Puppy Raising Program. They are generally about 16 months old. Training consists of teaching the dogs all the guiding skills and social behavior necessary to be a guide dog. This is done in the ‘real world’ and in a large variety of environments. When training clients, a GDMI conducts most classes both from our training center and also in the client’s home area. Clients can live anywhere in Texas, and this means that a GDMI must be available to spend several weeks to a month out of town for each client. In addition, each GDMI will travel every year to assist established teams to ensure each client has effective, safe, and efficient guide dog mobility. GDMI’s are also responsible for advising applicants on guide dog mobility and assessing their readiness for training with a guide dog. All members of staff participate in educational events, fundraisers, and public relation events.

How do I become a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor?

Becoming a certified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor typically requires a 4 year apprenticeship through one of the guide dogs schools. Members of the international federation of guide dog schools (IGDF), have established guidelines so that certification among member schools is standard. Guide Dogs of Texas is not currently hiring Apprentice GDMI’s, but anyone interested may submit a resume to sandy@guidedogsoftexas.org . GDTX will gladly hold the resume until a position opens.

How can I prepare myself to be an Apprentice GDMI?

Many apprentices begin their careers by volunteering. This is a good way to get experience, and at the same time help blind Texans achieve safe mobility. Some of the opportunities include; raising a guide dog puppy, volunteering as a boarder for guide dogs on the weekends, helping in the kennel, preparing meals for clients in training, and assisting with presentations and booths. Anyone interested should fill out the online volunteer application, and contact the office for further details. In addition, a bachelor’s degree is becoming a standard entry requirement for apprenticeships. Many general skills are needed to be a GDMI, including problem solving, reading, writing, public speaking, teaching, and working both independently and with others. Some good subjects to consider might be: Orientation and Mobility, Veterinary Sciences, Disabilities and Rehabilitation, and Animal Behavior.

I have been training pet dogs for years. Do I *have* to go through an apprenticeship to be a GDMI?

Yes. An apprenticeship, whether at Guide Dogs of Texas or at another IGDF member school, teaches skills specific to working with people with visual impairments and guide dog mobility. General dog handling skills are useful, but are simply the tip of the iceberg.