Actually, they're a bit of both. A guide dog puppy candidate first needs to have a natural aptitude for the job - even before they start training.
That's why labrador puppies and golden retrievers, with their placid nature are ideal to train into a guide dogs. Every year, we have around 1,200 would-be guide dogs born to our brood bitches. These have been specially chosen for their intelligence and temperament. It's hoped that their guide dog puppies to be will inherit these qualities as well as a good-natured and calm disposition.
Training isn't easy for a guide dog puppy though - it isn't meant to be and not all make it. After all, one day someone will depend on each guide dog as a 'second pair of eyes'. It's one reason why we depend on people like you to help support our guide dog puppies on their journey.
A pup's progress
Take a whistle-stop journey through a guide dog puppy's training:
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Play a game
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Try your hand at guide dog training with our interactive game (flash users only). |
