Guide Dog Puppy Training
Guide dogs as an organisation want a society in which blind and partially
sighted people enjoy the same freedom of movement as everyone else. The
main way they do this is to train very carefully bred dogs to become Guide
Dogs who will give blind people quality of life, independence and dignity.
The 1st 12 months of a Guide Dog puppy's life are very important. They spend this time with puppy walkers who are all volunteers.
Puppy walkers in Sutton and surrounding areas meet weekly, Wednesdays 10.30 to 12.30, at Banners Gate Community Hall for training and socialising class. Here they are able to practice many things i.e. basic obedience with the distraction of other dogs.
Working Guide Dogs must learn to ignore other dogs and people when out with Guide Dog owner. They must also learn to ignore food on the floor, strange noises and people wearing unusual clothing and many other situations that we are able to set up in the hall. They accept being handled by different people, also they learn how to lie down and relax in a room full of people - something they may have to do if their owners need to go to a meeting.
The Guide Dog Service receives no Government funding so depends on voluntary contributions. All Guide Dog fundraising branches organise street and store collections and other events.