This summer, Guide Dogs has been working with the television production company Darlow Smith Productions (DSP) on a brand-new series called 'Puppy School for Guide Dogs'.

We are so excited and proud to share the news that Guide Dogs staff, volunteers, and pups, as well as guide dog owners will feature in this heart-warming, joyful and funny series that will begin airing on Friday 1 September with four weekly episodes shown at 8pm on Channel 5.

The four-part factual entertainment series, voiced by presenter and comedian Mel Giedroyc, shines a light on the life-changing puppies who will help people with a vision impairment to live independently and well. The programme will also give a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world-class training guide dogs receive.

Viewers of Puppy School for Guide Dogs will follow the stories of some of our puppies and dogs throughout the series – as well as the humans that both train them and rely on them. Those who tune in will see where it all starts when they are first introduced to guide dog Ela who is due to give birth to a litter of future life-changing pups.

The programme will also feature some of our dogs with alternative careers, including guide dog dad Trigger and a buddy dog named Riley, as well as other assistance dogs providing support and companionship to people up and down the country.

We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to showcase the hard work of our staff and team of amazing volunteers who care for these special dogs throughout their lives.

It’s great that Channel 5 have commissioned a show about the wonderful work of guide dogs and we are thrilled that so many people will learn how we create our life changing guide dog partnerships. We’d love everyone to watch so they can meet some of our passionate volunteers and inspiring guide dog owners. Puppy School for Guide Dogs is just a peek at some of the work that is taking place up and down the country to transform the lives of people who are blind and partially sighted. We can’t wait for everyone to tune in.

Tom Wright, Chief Executive Officer at Guide Dogs

So what does it take to turn a playful pup into a fully-fledged hero hound? We hope you’ll join us on Friday 1 September on Channel 5 to find out.

Find out more about the show and some of the people and dogs taking part on our Puppy School for Guide Dogs page.