The standard of skilled and qualified Guide Dog Instructors here in Australia is on par with schools in the rest of the world. Many instructors undertake Guide Dog Instructor training as a post graduate position having previously studied teaching or psychology.

A Guide Dog Instructors course is 36 months full time. Over the 3 years, students cover:

Yr 1 - Guide Dog Trainers course about assessing and training dogs as well as dog behavioural patterns/senses, etc.
Yr 2 - Orientation and Mobility (O&M) component where students learn about the white cane and eye conditions.
Yr 3 - Teaching a person who is blind or severely vision impaired how to work with a Guide Dog.

Standards are high and are set and regulated by the International Guide Dog Federation.

Guide Dog Instructor training courses are not currently offered in WA. For more information on training courses in Australia contact: