Hi, I've been thinking alot about being a guide dog puppy walker. I won't apply until later on this year as I have to much going on with family just now but I'm definitely considering to apply September time.

And my DH is also up for it and we are both looking forward to it and are fully committed to the idea. My only real worry is I keep hearing they only accept people from certain areas. And that they don't very often take on people who live around the London area. I can't say if this is true or not its just what I heard. Any advice would be great

Hi there

The puppy walker of my Molly lived in London, and there's a guide dog team in London, so I don't actually know how true this is.

It's such a lovely thing to do. Believe me, all we guide dog owners think you people are wonderful for the work you put in to help make our dogs what they are. If you do end up doing this, I'd love to hear from you when you get accepted, as I could potentially help out with training tips such as no eye contact with the dog, that will make life much easier for pup and guide dog owner when they are eventually matched. I could also put you in touch with a blind lady who is successfully puppy walking two crazy labs too.

Do let me know how you get on!

We had two when we were kids, it was wonderful a bit sad when they left but great to get a pic of them fully qualified & with there owners We lived in Lancashire at the time but when we moved to Northumberland we were in the wrong area but that was in the 80's

Good luck I hope your sucessful

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All my children have paws!

There is a Lancashire branch...we see training Guide dog pups walking around here all the time!

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Thank you will keep you all updated with how I get on. I have quite a wait yet before I can apply.

Hey, I'm a puppy walker. If you have any questions, I'll tell you everything I know lol.

its so nice to visit here a nice thread. Am so impressed with your such a good hard work, its definitely a good and diferent idea for others, you guys are doing good work good luck, keep it up..

I board Guide Dogs that have passed their initial training and are completing the final stages of their advanced training!

Our last dog left on Monday (still a bit raw, but next dog comes in October!), but it is honestly a wonderful thing to do - you can really see the potential in a dog and realise what an excellent aid they are to people with reduced sight.

Definitely enquire to your local branch, even if they are not taking on people straight away, they'll put you on their books for the next litter of puppies if you pass their requirements.

Being a Guide Dog in London is hard work because of the high volume of people etc, so if a puppy is brought up in that environment, they are likely to stand a better chance of being matched with the right kind of handler. Confident London dogs are hard to come by, so I wouldn't worry too much about your location!

If you have any questions feel free to contact me!