From puppy to companion - the journey of a guide dog
Often described as man's best friend, the relationship between a person and their dog is hard to beat, with a bond that seems unbreakable.
For those who live with sight loss, that bond is even stronger as the clever canine is relied upon to help with everyday tasks that the majority of us take for granted.
Although guide dogs are often seen as some of the most intelligent and well-behaved four-legged companions you'll find they, like any dog, start out as a playful pup that needs a bit of guidance.
Reaching out to all dog lovers across the UK, Guide Dogs is looking for people to take a puppy into their home and help it develop into a confident and well-rounded dog, ready for specialist guide dog training.
A day in the life of a puppy raiser
When having your own dog isn't an option, puppy raising is a fantastic alternative that allows you to fill your home with love, as well as help out for a good cause.
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Catherine from Hull has always wanted to raise a puppy for Guide Dogs, so when the opportunity arose, it was only two months before she welcomed black labrador puppy, Hudson, into her home.
Speaking about her journey with Hudson, Catherine said: "I’ve wanted to puppy raise for Guide Dogs since I was a child. I think Guide Dogs is so well respected and the dogs are a cut above the rest.
"I love working with a puppy and I think I can be quite patient with dogs. It’s about getting the dog socialised, comfortable, well-behaved and well-mannered. I enjoy being consistent and methodical with my training.
"The Guide Dogs staff are really supportive and the online training is good as it means everyone is on the same page with the training methods. There’s also a Facebook group where puppy raisers can chat as well."
Catherine has always wanted to become a Guide Dogs puppy raiser (Guide Dogs)The purpose of a puppy raiser is to help build a vital foundation for the puppy's future role as a guide dog. Guiding the puppy through training, socialisation and introducing them to new environments and experiences, you'll provide them with a loving home for 12 to 16 months.
Reflecting on her experience, Catherine said: "On day one he leapt up and knocked the food out of my hand so we worked on food manners and crate training straightaway. I also slept on the sofa for four nights to help him settle. It was summer so we were able to spend lots of time together in the garden too. Everything is a first for them and that’s lovely to see.
"It’s not all plain sailing but it’s the best thing for me because Hudson is lovely. You can just tell Guide Dogs puppies are a little different, it sets them apart.
"I’ve got time to give and puppy raising is a worthwhile use of my time. I like being able to share my life with a puppy and it’s great to know Hudson will go on to help someone else when he leaves."
Being a puppy raiser is a fantastic alternative to having your own dog (Guide Dogs)Whether you are retired and have spare time to fill or simply work from home and want the extra company around the house, puppy raising is something that people of all ages can do.
Kirsty and Phil, both in their early thirties, became puppy raisers in 2019 after being inspired by Phil’s experience as a teenager when his parents raised six puppies for Guide Dogs in the family home.
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Explaining how becoming a puppy raiser is easier than you might think, Kirsty said: "We’d been building up to having a dog a while, but eventually decided it would be a better idea for us to be puppy raisers.
"We also felt we had the time and the right situation. Phil has always worked from home and I work part-time as a nurse. It’s important to have that flexibility because we knew that it would be demanding at times.
"We’re so glad we took the plunge. If anyone is in a similar situation to us and loves animals, we would definitely recommend being a puppy raiser."
Although puppy raising can come with its challenges and the knowledge that you will eventually have to say goodbye and watch as your playful pup grows into a fully qualified guide dog, Kirsty and Phil have found that it's all worth it as you are helping to change someone's life.
The pair continued: "People often say that having a dog and especially a puppy is a tie, but we haven’t found that at all. It’s just fun. We’ve taken both dogs everywhere with us - to the local shops, to restaurants, to pubs and on transport.
"We have a lot of flexibility too. We like to go on holiday, and if we want to get away we can drop the puppies at a volunteer fosterer rather than a kennel. We just contact Guide Dogs and they find a fosterer that we know will treat her the same way we have.
"The downside of course is that you do have to say goodbye one day. I guess you never do quite get used to them leaving you, but ultimately you get this sense of fulfilment that your puppy is likely to go on to be an amazing dog that will change somebody’s life. That trumps everything."
Becoming a puppy raiser
Raising a Guide Dog puppy can be a rewarding way to fill your spare time (Guide Dogs)Whether you're a young couple who isn't quite ready for the commitments of your own dog, someone who works from home and wants the extra company, or perhaps you simply just want to look after a puppy knowing it will grow up to help improve someone's life - puppy raising could be the perfect choice for you.
Scotland and the North East are particularly short of puppy raisers, but Guide Dogs are in need of more puppy raisers across the UK and would love to hear from you if you're able to welcome a puppy into your home.
What will I be doing?
When you become a Guide Dogs puppy raiser, providing them with a loving home is one of the most important things you can do, but you'll also be a few important steps to complete along the way, including:
- Engaging in the Puppy Raising for Excellent Partnerships (PREP) training programme to prepare your puppy for the next stages of becoming a guide dog.
- Socialising your puppy through introductions to a variety of environments that they might experience in everyday life.
- Teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone.
- Taking your puppy to monthly puppy classes and interacting with other puppy raisers to refresh your training and share tips.
- Meeting with your volunteer manager to discuss any changes or issues with your puppy.
- Completing short questionnaires about your puppy's development.
What are some benefits of raising a guide dog puppy?
- The rewarding feeling of watching your puppy grow and develop into a guide dog with the knowledge they will one day support a person with sight loss to live actively, independently and well.
- The opportunity to participate in a bespoke dog training programme that can also help you train your own dogs or start a career in dog handling.
- The chance to be part of the Guide Dogs family, interacting with a community of puppy raisers and meeting like-minded people.
- A dedicated volunteer manager and regular support.
- A mischievous puppy to love, take care of and help keep you fit and active.
To find out more about becoming a puppy raiser and looking after a playful pup in your home, visit the Guide Dogs website or give the friendly team a call on 0345 143 0191.
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