Changing Lives One Dog At A Time
Why a Seizure Response Guide Dog ?
Seizure Response Guide Dogs are highly trained service animals designed to assist South Africans aged 16 and older who have been diagnosed with intractable epilepsy, a condition where seizures are difficult to control with medication. These guide dogs are trained to perform a range of specific tasks tailored to their handler’s needs, ensuring they can effectively respond during a seizure episode. In addition to their seizure response duties, these dogs are expected to maintain the highest standards of behavioral obedience, providing their clients with a sense of safety and independence. By offering reliable support, these trained guide dogs play a crucial role in helping individuals manage the challenges of living with epilepsy on a daily basis.
Please note that Applications are currently closed for our Hearing Program. We will, however, continue to accept re-applications from our successor clients who have previously had a Dog Guide from us. Please e-mail (info@smartservicedog.co.za) if you are a successor.
At this time, we do not have a date when applications will reopen and will post any updates on this webpage and in our monthly newsletters. If you are interested in signing up for the monthly newsletter, please fill out the form on our newsletter page.
Step 1 - Discovery
Welcome to the beginning of your journey with Smart Service Dogs of South Africa Guide Dogs! Training each of our dogs is a detailed process, but we understand that an assistance dog isn’t the right fit for everyone. The Discovery process is designed to provide you with all the information you need to decide if this path is right for you.
Throughout Discovery, you’ll have the chance to explore materials about our organization, the program that best suits your needs, and what’s involved in working with a Guide Dog. These resources will help you build a solid foundation of knowledge, preparing you for the responsibilities of being part of a Team and giving you insight into what life with a Guide Dog will be like.
Step 2 Expression of Interest
In the Expression of Interest phase, we will collect some basic information from you to ensure you meet our program requirements. If you do, a member of our Client Services team will schedule a phone interview with you to gather more information before determining if you can move forward with an application.
Step 3 Application
Once you submit a complete program application, it will be reviewed to ensure all necessary information is included. Our Client Services team will assess the details and reach out to you within five business days if they have any questions. Additionally, we will arrange an in-home assessment, which may be conducted either in-person or virtually. This assessment allows us to understand more about you and the environment where a Guide Dog could potentially live. After the assessment, your profile will be presented to our Admissions Committee for review. They will evaluate your application and home assessment to determine if we can train a Guide Dog to meet your specific needs. A Client Services team member will contact you with an update once a decision has been made.
Step 4 Dog Team Matching
Upon acceptance into one of our programs, our Client Services team works closely with our Program Instructors to carefully assess your lifestyle, activity level, and the unique requirements of your medical or physical disability. This collaborative process is designed to determine which type of dog would be the best fit for you. The goal is to find a companion that not only complements your daily routine but also meets the specific needs of your condition. While the process of matching the right dog with each client can take some time, it is one of the most vital and rewarding steps in the journey toward building a meaningful and lasting partnership.
Step 5 On Campus Training
Once we’ve matched you with a suitable Guide Dog, we’ll reach out about 6-8 weeks in advance to invite you to our Training Facility. During this time, you’ll participate in On-Campus training with us and meet your new canine teammate! Depending on the program, we’ll invite you to stay with us for 10-21 days to learn how to handle and care for your dog, while also bonding and practicing together in our facility. Our Program Instructors will be on-site during class to support you, answer any questions, and help you build the confidence and skills needed to graduate as a new Team.
Step 6 Ongoing Support
Once you depart from our facility, your journey with your Guide Dog will begin, but rest assured, you and your Guide Dog will never walk alone! The Smart Service Dog will continue to assist you until your Guide Dog is ready for retirement. Within 4-8 weeks after leaving, one of our Program Instructors will visit your home to check how you’re adjusting, offer additional support, and address any questions you might have. Our Client Services team is also available to provide ongoing assistance to ensure the well-being and success of your partnership.
