Gallant Hearts

Ranked #2 in Madison and #6 in Mississippi

5 Stars,3 Reviews
131 Red Fox Ln, Madison, MS 39110

Service area: throughout the United States, and occasionally, in Canada

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Service Dog

Training Formats Offered

  • Private Lessons
  • Private Facility
  • Board and Train

Program Formats

  • Intensive Program

Types of Dogs

  • Large
  • Working
  • Sporting

Age of Dogs Trained

  • Puppy (<1 year)
  • Adolescent (1-2 years)
  • Adult (2-8 years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods: 

  • Positive Reinforcement Only

Equipment: 

  • Harnesses

Puppies are raised by volunteers from 12 to 18 months of age, during which they are housebroken, socialized, and taught good house manners and obedience. Gallant Hearts covers all expenses for the puppy raisers.

At 16 to 18 months, puppies return to Gallant Hearts for evaluation and approximately four months of intensive guide dog training, totaling about 120 hours of in-harness work. During this period, dogs live in the home of the Executive Director or trainer and work about three hours a day. Training utilizes positive reinforcement, though food rewards are not used, to build a strong bond and desire to work. Dogs must master a lengthy list of competencies before placement.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

All services, including the trained dog, equipment, travel, boarding (if applicable), and handler training, are provided free of charge to qualified individuals under a 100% paid scholarship, made possible through corporations and individual donations.

Testimonials

“I have had two guide dogs from Gallant Hearts Guide Dog Center and I highly recommend this organization. Rebecca Floyd, founder and Executive Director, and Ryan Burley, trainer, are extremely knowledgeable and caring individuals that have helped to make my experiences with guide dogs successful. I am not only blind but have a prosthetic leg.Ryan’s number one concern, is safety. He is also experienced in matching the dog’s abilities to the client’s needs.”
– Robert and Rother

“Ryan trained my very first guide dog, a female German shepherd named Robin. I found Ryan very easy to work with. And he was very patient with this newbie and he works very well with dogs. It was very obvious that he cared a great deal and wanted to make sure we would make a great team. Robin is a great dog and I get compliments on her all the time.”
– T. Leighton

“I am so very pleased to be graduate of Gallant Hearts. Rounder is my 11th dog and is doing a fabulous job. It was my honor to receive training from Ryan Burley and Gallant Hearts. I was turned down by numerous guide dog schools because they stated that I was too old and could not travel. Ryan and Gallant Hearts refused to believe this. Ryan taught me so many wonderful techniques, he is a fabulous instructor.”
– B. Acosta

About the Trainer

Gallant Hearts Guide Dog Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization established in April 2010 in Madison, MS. Its mission is to breed, raise, train, and place healthy, well-trained guide dogs, free of charge, to qualified individuals who are blind throughout the United States and occasionally in Canada. The organization aims to enhance dignity, promote independent living, productivity, and self-confidence through improved mobility for its clients.

The center maintains a breeding program for German Shepherd Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, and Golden Retrievers, focusing on health, temperament, trainability, and longevity. They also welcome donated dogs of these breeds. All dogs undergo extensive health testing, including OFA for hips and elbows, and genetic testing through NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, GenSol Diagnostics, or Embark.

Gallant Hearts relies on donations from individuals, corporations, bequests, and fundraising activities to provide its services. They also have a puppy raiser program where volunteers raise puppies from 12 to 18 months, with Gallant Hearts covering all expenses like food, veterinary care, and obedience courses.

Accomplishments

Gallant Hearts Guide Dog Center was cofounded in 2010 by Rebecca (Becky) Floyd, Executive Director, and Kathie Curtis. Rebecca Floyd is blind and has worked with a guide dog since 1964. The organization is a non-profit 501(c)3, tax-exempt organization. It is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors selected for their expertise in governance, fundraising, veterinary care, medicine, legal issues, finance, and media.

How to Get Started!

To apply for services, applicants must complete a Gallant Hearts Guide Dog Center Application, a Pre-Approval Health Screening form (by attending physician), and an Ophthalmology Report (by ophthalmologist or optometrist, information within one year of application date). They also need to submit a 2-3 minute video of themselves walking to assess speed, gait, balance, and coordination, and undergo at least one telephone interview with a Gallant Hearts representative.

Gallant Hearts featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 14 Years Experience

Languages

  • English
  • wheelchair accessible parking

Other Services Offered

  • Dog breeder
  • Pet trainer

Location

131 Red Fox Ln, Madison, MS 39110