How many guide dogs help people in the U.S. and Canada?

The National Eye Institute states that blindness or low vision currently affects 3.3 million Americans age 40 and over. Roughly 10,000 people use guide dogs in the US and Canada. Service dogs can benefit people struggling with a variety of disabilities. Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)—an organization with a rich history and proven track record of training safe and effective guide dogs—began the process of crossing over almost a decade ago. The results have been nothing short of astounding. Using traditional methods, roughly 45 to 50 percent of the dogs entering the formal training process made guide dog status. With the incorporation of clicker training (one type of positive reinforcement), 60 to 85 percent graduate and are successfully paired with a blind partner.