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About the Puppy Training Program.
These are the traits that we look for when assessing the pups for their suitability for Guide Dog training or one of our other careers such as Breeding Dogs or Therapy Dogs.
graphic, Two volunteers sitting with puppies smiling at the camera.
Before you get started,
Ensuring the welfare and wellbeing of our puppies is the number one goal of the Guide Dogs Puppy Raising Training Program.
graphic, A Puppy Raiser walking with a yellow Labrador.
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Laying the foundations for success.
Puppy proofing, routines and establishing boundaries.
graphic, A Puppy Raiser sitting next to a yellow Labrador puppy.
Dog training fundamentals.
Raising a puppy for Guide Dogs is all about helping them learn good habits and feel confident in the world.
graphic, A Puppy Raiser teaching a yellow Labrador to sit.
Introducing equipment.
As your puppy grows, they’ll be introduced to different pieces of equipment like collars, leashes, coats, and head halters.
graphic, A Puppy Raiser walking with their PDA.
Puppy skills program.
These are the core skills and behaviours that the pup will need to learn during puppy raising.
graphic, A yellow Labrador puppy running to the camera.
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Building confidence and resistance.
A future Guide Dog needs to be able to explore new environments, recover from surprises, and keep learning without becoming overwhelmed.
graphic, A black Labrador sitting.
Canine husbandry.
An important part of puppy raising is looking after the health and appearance of the puppy.
graphic, A black Labrador and a yellow Labrador puppy sitting next to each other.
Managing problem behaviour.
Raising a Guide Dog pup is fun and rewarding, but like all young dogs, pups will sometimes rehearse behaviours that are inconvenient, frustrating, or hard to live with.
graphic, A black Labrador puppy sitting and looking at the camera.
Puppy Raiser resources.
Checklists and resources to keep your pup on track for their assessments.
graphic, A Puppy Raiser walking with a yellow Labrador puppy.
Read about the incredible impact our dogs have made thanks to you.
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Meet Volunteer Robyn
graphic, Robyn at the Guide Dogs Centre
Volunteering
Gullivers Travels
graphic, Paul with a yellow Labrador Guide Dog.
Volunteering
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Meet Volunteer Allysia
graphic, Puppy Raiser Allysia sitting with a black Labrador.
Volunteering
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Meet Volunteer Vicki
graphic, Vicki with black Labrador Sundae.
Volunteering