Ever wondered what I actually do at Guide Dogs? 🦮
I’m a Puppy Development Advisor with Guide Dogs. I’ve worked at Guide Dogs since February 2009, and I’ve been a Puppy Development Advisor since 2015. My role is to support our volunteer Puppy Raisers as they raise and develop future guide dog puppies, so one day they can go on to change the life of someone living with sight loss.
In the video above you’ll see some of what that looks like in real life, including guide dog puppies out walking, travelling on public transport, and practising calm behaviour in everyday environments.
My role is to work alongside Puppy Raisers, offering professional guidance, structure, and support so both the puppy and the volunteer can problem-solve, adapt, and progress together. That support changes as the puppy develops, but it always follows the same principle: build strong foundations first, then carefully expand the puppy’s world.
What we work on (from home visits to real life)
Puppy development is all about setting puppies up to succeed in the real world. Here’s how support typically progresses as a puppy grows.
1) The early stage: home routine, calmness and toilet training
When a puppy is young, support is often more home-based. This is where we build the essentials and prevent problems becoming habits:
- Routine (sleep, feeding, toilet trips, calm downtime)
- Toilet training (clear structure and consistency)
- Home setup (so the puppy can’t rehearse unwanted behaviours)
- Confidence building with everyday sounds, sights and handling
This stage matters because prevention is powerful. Puppies repeat what works, so we want the puppy practising the behaviours we do want from the beginning.
2) First walks: start quiet, then build up
We start in very quiet environments and gradually progress to busier ones. Confidence is built through successful repetitions, not overwhelm.
This is where thoughtful progression really pays off. We’re not trying to “expose the puppy to everything” as quickly as possible. We’re building steady confidence through calm, achievable steps.
3) Real-world life skills: trains, buses and coffee shops
As the puppy develops, I’ll meet Puppy Raisers out and about. Public transport is a big part of life for many guide dog owners, so puppies need to learn calm, confident behaviour around stations, trains and buses.
We also practise social behaviour in places like coffee shops, because settling in public spaces is a genuine life skill. It’s not about “perfect” puppies. It’s about teaching puppies how to relax and make good choices while the world carries on around them.
These sessions are also a great opportunity to check in with volunteers, talk through any challenges, adjust the plan, and keep everything moving forward.
Does it cost money to raise a Guide Dogs puppy?
No. Guide Dogs cover the puppy’s key costs. That includes vet fees, food, vaccinations, flea and worming, plus the training support and materials needed along the way.
How this links to my work with private puppy clients
The foundation of my work, both at Guide Dogs and with private puppy clients, is consistent structure, calm routines, and carefully managed exposure as puppies develop. This approach allows puppies to build confidence gradually, while volunteers and owners gain the skills to make informed decisions as situations change.
If you’ve got a puppy at home and want the same structured coaching and up-to-date puppy development approach, you can explore my support options here: Dog Training Services in Essex & Hertfordshire. This includes Puppy School classes, 1:1 Puppy Consultations, and my Perfect Puppy Online Course.
Want to become a Puppy Raiser?
If you’d like to raise a future guide dog and be part of the journey from playful puppy to life-changing partner, the best place to start is the official Guide Dogs Puppy Raiser page:
Become a Guide Dogs Puppy Raiser (official information)
FAQ
Can I be a Puppy Raiser if I already have a pet dog?
Yes. Many Puppy Raisers have a pet dog already. The important part is having the right setup and being supported to manage introductions, routines, and day-to-day life so both dogs can succeed.
Will it cost me anything (vet bills, food, vaccinations, flea and worming)?
No. Guide Dogs cover the puppy’s key costs, including veterinary care and food, plus the training support and materials needed.
Can I still work if I’m raising a puppy?
Often, yes. It depends on your routine and whether the puppy can be supported appropriately during the day. Guide Dogs provide guidance on what’s realistic and suitable, including how long a puppy should be left at home.
How long do you raise the puppy for?
Typically, Puppy Raisers support a puppy through their early development before they move into the next stage of training. The exact timeline can vary depending on the puppy and programme needs.
What happens after the Puppy Raising stage?
The puppy moves on to the next stage of their Guide Dogs journey, where their training continues. Puppy Raisers play a huge role in giving them the foundations they need for what comes next.
What if the puppy doesn’t qualify as a guide dog?
Not every dog becomes a working guide dog, and that’s okay. Puppies are assessed as they develop, and if a different path is more suitable, Guide Dogs have processes in place to support the dog’s best outcome.
Do I need puppy training experience to apply?
No. What matters most is commitment, consistency, and being willing to learn. You’re supported throughout, and my role is to help you build your skills and confidence as your puppy develops.