International Guide Dog Day

Guide dogs help people who are blind or have low vision to move safely and confidently through their daily environment and be more independent. They assist their owners (also known as handlers) to navigate through different places, ranging from crowded city centres to quiet parks.

It takes approximately 18 months to train a guide dog from birth. First, the puppy lives for about a year in a verified household, which has volunteered to raise the puppy under specific guidelines. This environment helps nurture the puppy and teaches it house training and obedience. Next, the dog must go through its formal guide dog training, which is conducted by professionals and lasts about 4-6 months. At about 18 months, the guide dog meets its intended partner and they train together for a few weeks, before becoming long-term companions.