On this page, we talk about all the essential pieces of kit you need to look after your guide dog and create a successful partnership. We walk you through who supplies the equipment and how to use each item, so you can be prepared before your guide dog arrives.
On this page
The Guide Dogs workshop
Did you know? The Guide Dogs Workshop Team make all the equipment we provide at the start of your partnership, like the harnesses, leads, and handles mentioned on this page. They also make bespoke equipment to meet the needs of our guide dogs and guide dog owners.
We provide all the key pieces of equipment for you and your guide dog to build a working partnership. However, you’ll also need to buy some additional items to ensure the welfare of your guide dog. We’ll let you know which items you need to provide in this guide, and through conversations with your Guide Dog Mobility Specialist (GDMS) and Dog Welfare Specialist (DWS).
Harness
A harness is what your guide dog wears when they’re guiding you. It’s made at our in-house workshop and is provided by us. It has a white coating which makes it recognisable as the iconic ‘uniform’ of our working guide dogs. The white coating also makes it easy to wipe clean. The harness is comprised of a leather body piece and a handle. The body piece fastens behind your dog’s front left leg and the handle can be disconnected from the body piece using two clips.
Your Guide Dog Mobility Specialist will help you choose the right length and shape of handle so that it’s comfortable and easy to hold. It’s important that the handle is the correct length to enable your dog to guide you well and for you to interpret your dog’s movements.
The leather body piece of a new harness may be stiff, so try softening it with a leather softener. Be sure not to twist the leather as you’ll crack the white coating. Regularly check that the harness fits well – an ill-fitting harness can make your guide dog uncomfortable, which could impact their wellbeing and ability to work. It may also affect your ability to follow your dog safely and efficiently. As we loan you the harness, it should only be used for your guide dog, and we’ll ask for it back at the end of your partnership.
The harness has features designed to make you and your guide dog more visible. There’s a reflective yellow strip positioned across your guide dog’s chest. There’s also a reflective sign on the handle which says “Please don’t distract me – I'm a working guide dog!” in black text.
Remember the harness should only be on the dog when they’re guiding you. Remove the harness when you’ve reached your destination – this is a clear signal for your dog to relax and get comfortable.
Lead
We’ll provide you with a brown leather lead. This lead is double ended, and you can adjust its length using the clips at both ends. It should always be attached to your guide dog when you’re outside your home, unless they’re exercising off-lead.
You’ll also receive a reflective lead flash that slides onto the leather lead. As well as increasing the visibility of you and your guide dog, this will make your dog more recognisable as a guide dog to other people.
A new lead will be very stiff at first, so we recommend softening it with a leather softener or your hands.
Collar
Our collars are made from a fabric and fasten with a plastic quick-release clip. They also have a large metal D-shaped ring attached – this is what you clip your lead to. The collar will come with a metal Guide Dogs ID (identification) medallion, but we recommend that you buy your own ID disc which includes details such as your name, address, and phone number. This is so your guide dog can be returned directly to you if they get lost.
Your guide dog should wear their collar all day, but it can be taken off at night before they go to bed. This allows the skin around their neck to breathe and will help them sleep more comfortably.
In some cases, we also issue a headcollar if this is what best suits your dog. Your guide dog should only wear their headcollar when they’re outside the home.
High-visibility safety aids
We’ll provide other safety aids that are designed to increase your visibility, such as a high-vis vest, reflective arm bands, and a belt that goes around your waist and over your shoulder. Although you don’t have to wear these safety items, we highly recommend that you do.
You may also like to buy additional safety equipment for your guide dog, such as a GPS tracker or a light-up collar for winter walks and off-lead exercise.
Whistle
You’ll be issued with a whistle for recall - your Guide Dog Mobility Specialist will support you with training and how to use it. By building up whistle training slowly, you’ll be able to rely on your guide dog’s recall even when they’re off the lead.
We’ll provide you with a small fabric bag that’s handy for storing dry food rewards in when you’re out and about. It attaches around your waist and is easily kept clean by wiping it with a damp cloth, but it’s also machine washable.
Remember, always take your dog’s food rewards from their daily food allowance, otherwise they might experience unhealthy weight gain.
Equipment for dog welfare
In addition to the equipment and support your guide dog will need when they’re working, they’ll also need equipment and toys when they’re out of their harness and having free time or relaxing at home. Your guide dog’s welfare is just as important when they’re at home and your Guide Dog Mobility Specialist and Dog Welfare Specialist will help you to identify what you need for this.
Grooming equipment
We’ll provide a grooming kit for your guide dog – keeping your dog well-groomed is important for their wellbeing and is part of your daily responsibility as a guide dog owner. When accessing public spaces or public transport, it’s essential to make sure your dog is as clean as they can be. Grooming is also a good time to understand if any changes are happening to your dog’s body and it’s a great opportunity to bond.
Your grooming kit will be tailored to your dog’s individual needs, but will usually include a brush, comb, and a finishing cloth. You’ll be taught how to use these items during your class training.
Food and water bowls
You’ll need to purchase food and water bowls that are durable and easy to clean. For example, metal bowls with a non-slip bottom are an excellent choice. You should buy these before your class training.
If your guide dog needs any additional equipment or adaptations, you’ll be advised and supported by your Dog Welfare Specialist.
Enrichment equipment and toys
Enrichment toys are a fun way to interact with your guide dog and will keep their mind engaged. Popular food puzzle toys include food dispensing toys, interactive feeders, and snuffle mats – just remember to fill the toys with food from your dog’s daily food allowance. You can also use dog toys for interactive games like tug, fetch, and searching games.
Bed
You’ll need to provide your guide dog with a bed, which is where they’ll sleep but it’s also a place for them to retreat to when they’re not working. Make sure the bed you choose is the right size for your dog, and that it’s comfortable and durable.
There are different types of dog beds available – some are flat but others are more nest-like. Your Guide Dog Mobility Specialist and Dog Welfare Specialist will advise you on the type of bed your dog prefers. We also recommend that the one you choose is machine washable. This should be bought before your class training.
Dog first aid kit
We strongly recommend buying a dog first aid kit to keep at home. This should be used in emergency situations before your guide dog can be seen by a vet. You can buy them as ready-made kits, or you can make your own. Basic items that should be included in your kit are:
Self-adhesive bandages
Absorbent dressings
Blunt scissors
Tick remover tool
A towel
Surgical tape
A head cone (to prevent them from licking an injury or wound)
Contact details for your vet and out-of-hours vet
In an emergency, you should take your guide dog to your vet immediately, and let your Dog Welfare Specialist know via Guide Line or the out-of-hours emergency line.
Cleaning and maintaining equipment
It’s your responsibility to keep your guide dog clean and safe, and the same goes for the equipment they wear. When you’re out and about, your guide dog not only represents you but also the charity, so they should always look smart in their working ‘uniform’. Additionally, keeping your equipment clean helps to improve its longevity – this will ensure you can use the equipment throughout your partnership.
Easy ways to keep your equipment in good working order:
Avoid putting wet leather on radiators
Allow any damp equipment to air-dry
Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the white leather body piece of the harness
Wipe equipment clean with warm water
Regularly clean your dog’s food and water bowls
Regularly wash their towels and bedding
Replacing damaged equipment
With care, we expect your harness and lead to last for the whole of your working life together. However, if any of your equipment provided by Guide Dogs is broken or damaged, contact us via Guide Line so that we can arrange a replacement.
