Matching dogs to owners

Every person and dog is unique, so it’s a complex and carefully managed process. Our Guide Dog Mobility Instructors get to know everyone who is waiting for a guide dog, and also all our trainee dogs. Taking into account a person’s needs – their length of stride, walking speed, height, lifestyle, personality and whether they have other disabilities in addition to sight loss – the instructor looks for a dog that will be a good match. After visiting the potential owner with the dog to check the dog is suitable, they tailor the final stage of training to meet the specific needs of the future owner – for example, if she’s a mum who uses a buggy the dog will be trained to walk to give room for the buggy.