Guide Dog Client Services

Once our Guide Dog has been trained and matched, it is time to start training with their new partner. For some people this is the time when they get their first Guide Dog. It is exciting, scary, emotional, tiring, daunting… did we mention exciting?

For others, it is a time of great anticipation, mixed with great sadness, a little bit of guilt and hope for a new beginning. For those who have worked with a Guide Dog previously, they are aware of the challenges that lay ahead, but realise this is a challenge they cannot face with a trusted companion who has been by their side for many years. It is perhaps time for the retirement of their elderly Guide Dog and time to start training with a young Guide Dog, eager for the challenge.

We provide extensive training for blind and vision impaired Tasmanians, from the comfort of their own home. Training programs can last for between four and eight weeks for people receiving their first Guide Dog and often substantially less time for people who are returning after the retirement of their previous working Guide Dog.

Training is intensive and can cover a broad range of skills, depending on the experience of each person. Some people have never owned a pet dog prior to receiving a Guide Dog, therefore they need learn not only how to work with their Guide Dog, but also how to interact, play and clean up after it as well. There can be a lot to learn and it can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally.

For others, it is like riding a bike. They may be a little rusty and might have picked up a few bad habits along the way, but really all they need is a bit of time and support to adjust to working with their new Guide Dog before they are back into the swing of things and going about just getting on with life.

If you would like to find out more about how our Services can help you or someone you love, just click here.

If you know someone who has recently received a Guide Dog, here are some helpful hints so you can assist them to settle in as quickly and easily as possible.

If you would like to assist in the valuable services provided by Guide Dogs Tasmania, please visit these pages to find out how you can help:

• Puppy Love
• Make a Donation
• Volunteering
• Bequests

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about Guide Dogs.