Guide Dogs in Israel
History of Guide Dogs in Israel
Before the Center was founded in 1991, blind Israelis faced significant barriers to receiving Guide Dogs. They were required to pass an English proficiency exam and spend months abroad to match with a dog trained in English – only to return to Israel with a dog unfamiliar with the language and environment. To date, the Center has placed more than 855 Guide Dogs with Israelis who are blind or visually impaired – opening the door to freedom, confidence, and inept mobility in Israel. Today, the Center is the only internationally accredited Guide Dog school in Israel and the entire Middle East.
Impact of a Guide Dog
Partnering with a Guide Dog provides far more freedom of movement and independence than using a white cane or relying on others. These highly trained dogs safely lead their partners from place to place, navigating obstacles with skill and precision. They also provide companionship and serve as “social magnets,” helping their partners meet new people and remain connected to the community.
Some information about our Guide Dogs
Our dogs respond to more than 40 distinct Hebrew commands
Our clients use 3 different styles of Guide Dog harness
When our dogs are out of their harness, they are off duty and enjoy regular dog life
Each dog is expertly trained to meet the needs of their partner
The Center is recognized as Israel’s leading Guide Dog provider
Who We Serve: Our Clients
All clients are Israeli citizens of diverse age, geographic, religious, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. One in five have complete vision loss; 28% lost their vision to trauma, most often during IDF service.
How We Train Our Guide Dogs
All of our dogs are trained in Israel, ensuring they are comfortable navigating its unique environment. The Center’s campus has obstacle courses designed to simulate busy streets and crowded sidewalks. Our dogs are prepared for using public transportation, escalators, and being distracted by other animals. Our Guide Dog Mobility Instructors train these dogs to think independently, avoid danger, and protect their partners – even when that means refusing a command to keep their partner safe. An example of this “Intelligent Disobedience” is when the client gives their dog the command to cross the street. If the Guide Dog notices a car not stopping at the crosswalk, the dog will disobey the command and not walk into the street, keeping their partner safe.
The Matching & Partnering Process
Our trainers and staff consider the unique traits of each dog and client to create the perfect partnership. Once matched with the right partner, our clients stay at the Center’s campus for 3 weeks of training. During this time, the partnership begins to bond as the blind client learns how to trust their new partner’s guiding abilities and their Guide Dog learns their new partner’s pace and idiosyncrasies. After the 3 weeks of on campus training, the new partners head home to start their new lives. The Center provides a week of in-home training, followed by yearly check-ins and a lifetime of support.
“My Guide Dog gives me strength to face the world safely and without fear.”
Eli, Guide Dog client
“Now I walk safely and proudly, something I never felt when I was using a cane.”
Avraham, Guide Dog client
Guide Dogs in Israel
The most important job of a Guide Dog is to faithfully lead their “Partner” past the obstacles of daily life, but in reality they do so much more! These amazing animals transform the lives of our blind and low-vision clients by providing independence, companionship, self-confidence, and love. Many of us have experienced the special love that a pet, especially a dog, brings to our lives.