Help us build our new Guide Dog Training School

On this page you can follow the progress of the build and the appeal.

Each pup's two-year journey from cute bundle of fluff to fully-trained guide dog is an amazing one - and the new Guide Dog Training School at Atherton will play a vital part in that. It is here that the young would-be guide dogs will begin learning the skills they'll need to guide a blind or partially-sighted person.

A place to learn:

A realistic outdoor training area helps dogs learn safely the skills they will need when guiding in complex environments. It has roadways, a pavement, pelican/zebra crossings and an obstacle course with lamp posts, road works, shop signs etc.

A large indoor all-weather training space can be adapted for all kinds of training, including obedience, obstacle and group exercises. Staff can set up lifelike scenarios free from distractions, such as a tape barrier to practice queuing at a post office.

Observation rooms with one-way mirrors and cameras allowing staff to watch dogs' behaviour - with humans, other dogs, or on their own, enabling problems such as chewing to be identified and tackled. The recorded footage can then be used to gain advice from other parties or as a staff training tool.

A ‘character assessment' area enables trainers to safely expose dogs to a range of stimuli and assess their behavioural responses, to see if they have the confidence and ability to become a guide dog.

A place to play:

Fantastic outside all weather runs provide opportunities for mental stimulation, playtime, interaction and exercise in the fresh air.

A place to rest:

The kennels have been specially designed so the dogs are able to interact with each other and with staff, making them more relaxed and happier.