Ascot racegoers saw a different kind of head turner as a group of adorable guide dogs puppies took to the racecourse as part of their training, getting up close and personal with some of the huge hats and frilly fascinators on display.
The initiative comes as our new research* reveals the following:
60% of dog owners reveal their dog can display signs of fear and confusion to unfamiliar outlines and characteristics
Roughly 1.6 million** pet dogs in the UK have reacted this way to large or unusual shaped hats
Our puppies' day at the races
The puppies were invited to the racecourse for the training session in style, ahead of Royal Ascot. They met individuals showcasing some mighty millinery and top hats and tails – after the research also showed those in uniforms elicit reactions from dogs (12%).
The puppies enjoyed playtime, and positive interactions such as cuddles, to help prevent any future fearfulness. With its elaborate fashion and lively atmosphere, the races proved the perfect setting for the pups to encounter new sights, sounds, and scents, all of which are crucial for their development.
Chloe Southby, Puppy Development Advisor at Guide Dogs, said:
Royal Ascot offers a unique training opportunity for our guide dog puppies. Alongside the crowds, smells and sounds, it’s one of the few places in the UK where extravagant hats and fascinators are the norm – which can be confusing or even frightening for some dogs. That’s why environments like Ascot are so valuable for socialising our puppies – helping them grow into confident guide dogs who can support people wherever life takes them.
You can watch our puppies at Ascot below, please follow this link for the audio-described video.
5 top tips for puppy socialisation
To help support new dog owners, here’s our top tips owners should look to follow within the first 16 weeks of their puppies’ lives, to help them with confidence in the world around them:
Hats and headwear - Hats, hoods and even sunglasses can change how a person looks, which can unsettle a puppy. Practise wearing different headwear during play or feeding time. Early, positive exposure will help your pup stay calm around all kinds of get-ups
Crowded spaces - A busy crowd can be overwhelming for a puppy. Start slow with small gatherings and then build up to livelier settings like dog friendly pubs or markets. Short, positive visits help your pup learn to stay relaxed even when things get busy.
Loud noises - It’s important to remember that dogs’ ears are more sensitive to noise than ours. With a puppy, practise playing sounds your puppy may hear throughout the day, like busy roads or café noises. Gradually build up time, keeping sessions short and positive, and reward calm behaviour around noise
Other animals - Prepare your pup by letting them meet friendly dogs on walks and visiting places where they can see other animals at a comfortable distance.
New smells and environments - Every new setting is a sensory overload for young dogs. Let your pup explore, giving them plenty of time to sniff and investigate. Encouraging them to sniff is hugely calming for dogs and helps them settle into new environments at their own pace.
Read more advice on socialising a puppy from our experts on our website.
*One Poll carried out the survey, between 16th and 22nd February 2024 of 2,000 UK adults who own a dog.
**Based on research conducted by dogster in 2025.
