VIDEO: Spending a day with the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

They say never to work with children or animals but I think the impeccably behaved dogs at the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind National Headquarters and Training Centre are certainly the exception to that rule. 

The centre is located on the Model Farm Road and its purpose is to help people who are blind or vision impaired and families of children with autism to achieve improved mobility and independence

Video Briona Gallagher

I accompanied trainer Jane Husband on a session around Ballincollig Shopping Centre, where the dogs are taught to calmly lead a person through busy and distracting environments, these dogs would be at advanced training level.

Preparation for Puppy-Walking (at 6 - 8 weeks of age)

Puppy-Walking (at 8 weeks - approximately 12 months)

Early Training (at approximately 12 months of age for 3 - 5 months)

Advanced Training (at approximately 16 - 18 months of age for 3 months)

Matching and Qualifying (at approximately 2 years of age)

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is a national charity that receives over 80% of its income through voluntary donations and fundraising. There are numerous ways that people can get involved and help this worthwhile charity, from raising money to puppy walking.