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Guide Dogs For The Blind
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This site is dedicated to the Guide Dogs that I have trained or helped train, from 8 weeks old to about a year old. I am currently training dogs called Bobby and Sage they are 8 Months and 4 Months i also board guide dog and I've being doing this for about 4 years.

I attend classes once a month to help my dog to socialise and for basic training. This training is required when he/she is one year old and when they are boarded at the training school in Forfar (Scotland)

He/She will stay at the training school for about six months then they go for their advance training which could be anywhere in Britain for a further three months. They are then paired up with a client which will be the person they will be working with for the rest of their working days which could be until they are nine years old.

When they retire they can stay with their client if it is possible depending on the situtaion or they can be put on a waiting list, for members of the public, who would like to look after a retired guide dog.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, has been established for over 75 years, over 10,000 voluntary staff which includes puppy walkers, brood stock holders and boarders.

Bus companies and rail travel allow puppies and guide dog trainers to travel free. This allows the dog to be trained and able cope with situations that may arise when out with their client. Also supermarkets and various shops allow the trainee dogs to walk through their store so when they are faced with shopping with their clients this is something they are used to.

They have what is called their 'free time'. This is when they are off their leads or harnesses and play like a normal puppy. This is also when some of their training comes in to play when you have to call them back and make them stay until someone passes you.

When out walking in the busy towns they have to walk in straight lines. However, handlers have to use hand signals to direct the dog forward and when turning to the right and left

If the dog is not suitable for guide dog work then they can go to other charities.