VN May 2023

Vetnuus | May 2023 20 The True Impact of Our South African Guide Dogs THOUGHT LEADERSHIP ARTICLE By Sr Alet Joubert 13 April 2023: Who doesn't love dogs? They're furry and friendly, with their wagging tails and loyal personalities. As our loyal companions, we spoil themwith cuddles and scratches and even speak to them like they are humans. But some dogs have bigger roles to fill: in becoming new eyes for people who are visually impaired. These special pups are trained to assist people with visual impairments or autism spectrum disorder and provide them with the extra help they need to navigate the world. From picking up dropped items to helping them cross the road, guide dogs are a lifeline for their owners. They're not just man's best friend; they're everyone's hero. Training and raising a guide dog The process of raising and training a guide normally begins with selecting a suitable puppy. The puppy is then placed with a volunteer guardian who provides the puppy with a loving home environment and socialises them around people, other animals and in different environments. The pup's foster parent also provides basic obedience training, such as sit, stay, come, and heel. It's all about getting your furry friend ready to be a rockstar guide dog. When guide dogs are around 14 to 16 months old, they head back to the training centre for intensive training and serious schooling. This is usually for four to eight months and involves mobility training and specialised tasks such as manoeuvring around obstacles and avoiding hazards. Each pup gets paired up with a dedicated trainer who works closely with them and evaluates their progress. Once training is wrapped up, the pup gets matched up with someone who needs their help, and they undergo further training to make sure they are compatible and make the perfect team. If any issues pop up later, the South African Guide Dogs Association for the Blind is always there to offer support and keep the partnership going strong. In South Africa, guide dogs are often raised and trained by such specialised organisations.