Guide Dog Assessment and Training

When our puppies are approximately 16 months old, we bring them in for assessment and then, hopefully, the formal component of their training.

We say hopefully, for despite all of our best efforts, both from our staff and our dedicated volunteer Puppy Raisers, there is no guarantee that our pups will successfully complete the Guide Dog Training Program.

Although assessment occurs throughout all phases of the Puppy Raising and Guide Dog Training Programs, it is important that we develop a solid understanding of each pup’s strengths, weaknesses and learning styles immediately upon entering the formal training phase. We therefore conduct a short, but intensive period of assessment designed to ensure the pup is both mature enough and suitable to enter formal training.

Should the pup meet the exacting standards required during assessment, they progress to the formal training component. Should the pup not make the grade, for whatever reason, they are offered up for adoption.

If you are interested in adopting a withdrawn or retired Guide Dog,
just visit our Adoption Centre.

Once a puppy has successfully completed its assessment, it can then move into formal training with one of our Guide Dog Mobility Instructors. Here they will spend up to six months learning the intricacies of their trade.

Each Guide Dog must learn to move smoothly and safely through the environment, taking care to ensure they do not allow their handler to contact obstacles, trip over kerbs or encounter a myriad of other hazards; whilst also ensuring they successfully locate destinations, indicate stairs, escalators and lifts, and successfully locate and negotiate road crossings. It is a big responsibility and our Guide Dogs are thoroughly trained to ensure they are up to the standards as set forth by the International Guide Dog Federation.

Once they have successfully completed their training, they are made available for matching with a blind or vision impaired person.

To find out more about our Guide Dogs and the matching process,
click here.

Quick Question:

What is the average working life of a Guide Dog?

Click here for the answer!