Pilot Program

FOLLOW MY LEAD!

Good Luck to FLASH and his trainer Jon! Our first Goldendoodle puppy hoping to pass the program! Jon has decided to follow the Pilot Dogs, Inc. Motto to open his heart for closed eyes! Before receiving Flash from the Pilot Program a Puppy Raiser application and agreement had to be filled out and excepted. Once the paperwork had been filed The Pilot Program provided a choker chain, a leash and training manuals for Flash. In return Jon will provide a loving home environment. Flash will be exposed to many different situations to further socialize him to becoming a Pilot Dog. Jon will also housebreak and enroll Flash into a formal obedience class. When the puppy is approximately 12 - 14 months, Flash will be returned to the Pilot Program for the extensive training as a Guide Dog. We wish both Jon and Flash the best of luck!

Here are a few pictures of puppies we have donated and have passed the intense 2 years of training! Pilot Dogs Inc. Provides the dogs free of charge to legally blind individuals who qualify. The cost to the program is approx. $5700. Would you like to help or need more information? Go to www.pilotdogs.org for the Columbus Pilot Program! Find out how YOU can make a difference!

A Special Thanks to all of those who have donated their time and talents to make the Pilot Program a success!

Flash is doing very well! He now knows Sit, down, stand, speak (with hand signal) and come! Splash is doing well in his socialization and human skills also! We hope all training continues to do well for our Pilot Dog hopeful!! Good Luck to FLASH and all the other wagging tails out there trying to make the cut!!

donatesand Poodles are proud to be active donates of Standard Poodle and now, Goldendoodle puppies to the Columbus Pilot Program.  We have been fortunate to have an extremely high pass rate with none of our dogs having any health problems or being returned for not passing.  Dogs which are accepted for Pilot Guide Dog training must meet certain standards.   Puppies must be between 14 - 30 months of age.  Their height to be  between 22" and 24" when measured from the top of the shoulder blade to the floor.    Although the dog does not need to be registered but he/she must be true to  their breed standard.  Dogs must have a sociable, even disposition. They must not be afraid of traffic, loud noises or of people. Dogs which have been raised in a kennel all their lives are obviously not able to make the adjustment to the life of a guide dog.  Dogs should be well socialized raised in a home and has become accustomed to family life and to children, strangers, automobiles and is housebroken.  Females are preferred (50 - 60 lbs.).   Only one out of 6 dogs make the grade!