Have you ever wondered how a Guide Dog actually becomes a Guide Dog?

The process begins with the puppies being born at the Guide Dog Breeding Centre here in Auckland. At eleven weeks of age, the pups are placed with Volunteer Puppy Raisers who have been approved by Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dogs. These Puppy Raisers can be families or individuals who ensure that the puppies receive the best start possible. This involves providing a loving home environment for the puppies while also giving them basic training.

Our International Director is boarding a Guide Dog pup for a few days while his Puppy Raiser is away.  Pax is an 11 month old golden labrador retriever and this is his first time in a school environment which has been very interesting for him.  The sound of the school bell as well as the noise of the students are all new for Pax and he took this all in his stride.   

While Pax is wearing his coat he is ‘working’.  This means that he needs to be calm and well-behaved as well as not distracted.  It is important not to pat Guide Dog pups while they are wearing their coat and working.  If you do want to pat them, always ask the handler first and they will let you know if you can or not.  

Guide Dog pups are service dogs that are permitted to accompany their owners almost everywhere, except for places like the zoo and certain hospital wards. These dogs are also allowed on all forms of public transportation, including aeroplanes.

Guide dog pups are exposed to as many social settings as possible in the first year of their lives so they get accustomed to all these places by the time they start their formal training back at the Guide Dog Centre at around two years old. By exposing the pups to different environments early on in their lives this sets them up for success later on. 

Pax had a great time getting cuddles and pats from staff and students at school (who all asked first if they could pat him) and it is safe to say he loves a school environment! 

If you want to learn more about guide dog pups or becoming a Puppy Raiser you can find information about it HERE