Breeding and Puppyhood
Born to Guide
The beginning of any successful Guide Dog service rests with its Breeding Program. Guide Dog Queensland’s stud and brood stock have been specially selected for their genetic “task specific” characteristics (that is to say that the puppies are of a type that have a pre-disposition towards Guide Dog work) and for their temperamental and physical qualities.
All selected breeding stock must be of such a high standard that they themselves would be assessed as being suitable for Guide Dog training – graduated breeding stock are the elite of the training program.
The association’s Consulting Veterinary Specialists examine all potential breeding dogs. Hips and elbows are x-rayed to confirm their suitability for breeding and DNA testing is completed to screen for inherited ocular disorders.
Puppies born in the Breeding Centre remain with their mothers until they are weaned and are ready to be placed with volunteer Puppy Raisers at about 10 weeks of age.
Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are most commonly used, as, generally, they are highly trainable and readily transfer their respect and allegiance from one person to another without complication. They also have a positive public image, being well accepted within the community. They posses physical attributes that suit the guiding role, such as, strong shoulder conformation, moderate coat care and moderate size to aid in using forms of public transport.
Puppy Raising Program
Puppies are allocated to assessed volunteer families called “Puppy Raisers”. The puppies remain with these families until they are 12 – 14 months old.
The primary responsibility of a Puppy Raiser is to socialise the puppy/young dog with every situation they are likely to encounter during training and subsequently while working as a Guide Dog.
Puppies are ‘house-trained’ from an early age and are taught to walk at a relaxed pace on the left side (we make sure they are comfortable walking on both sides of the body, as a client may have lost an arm or not be physically able to control a dog on the left), and to enjoy their walks and develop a motivation to work.
The Puppy Development Manager, who is also a qualified Guide Dog Trainer, makes visits on a regular basis to provide instructional support and monitor the pup’s progress. Initially visits are weekly, then progress to fortnightly and monthly as the pups matures.
Phone Numbers - Freecall 1800 810 122 - Guide Dog Shop 1800 007 460
Guide Dogs Queensland is a proud member of the International Guide Dog Federation. In addition, our organisation is a Quality Endorsed Company.
All Client Services provided through Guide Dogs Queensland comply with the '9' Queensland Standards for Disability Services (1997).