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The Guide Dog Journey
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Promising Pup to fully qualified Guide Dog 

HIGHLY SELECTIVE SOURCINGpwp_GuideJourney2
At Guide Dogs NSW/ACT we source all our puppies from registered and trusted breeders. We choose both purebred Labrador and Golden Retriever pups; their temperament and intelligence making them more suitable for Guide Dog training and work.


CAREFUL RAISING
After an initial check-up at the Guide Dogs Centre in Glossodia, the puppies begin their journey. At eight weeks of age, they’re sent to live with Puppy Raisers – people selected by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT to raise our promising puppies until they’re ready to begin the next stage of their training.
Living with their Puppy Raisers, each puppy partakes in basic obedience training; socialisation days with other people and puppies; as well as daily walks and travelling. Thus preparing them for more complex training in the future.


INTENSIVE GUIDE DOG TRAINING
At around 14 months of age, the puppies return to the Guide Dogs Centre to begin formal training. Over an initial two week period, the puppies are assessed on concentration and initiative. Puppies that pass this test go on to an intensive five month program; designed to teach them the complex skills required for being a successful Guide Dog.


GRADUATION AND MATCHING PROCESS pwp_GuideJourney
At the conclusion of this training, those puppies who have successfully passed all aspects of their training have their very own graduation. A celebration for puppies, Puppy Raisers, supporters and staff alike, the just-graduated Guide Dogs demonstrate their skills for everyone to see!
Following the graduation, the process begins of matching Guide Dog with clients who are vision-impaired. Different clients lead different lifestyles and live in different areas: hence the importance of matching each dog with the correct person.


A FRIEND FOR LIFE
Once placed together, the client and Guide Dog begin a life of independence, trust and companionship. Usually, the transition period from centre to client lasts a number of months; during which time the trainer will make sure client and dog are happy and adjusting well. We will always stay in contact with the client and provide help wherever needed.