Dog Know How

Practical guides on how we train and match our dogs, and how to be around a working dog.

Two eight week old puppies, one yellow and one carmel, sitting outside next to each other on a path. They are both looking at the camera.

How we train and match

A yellow labrador dog sitting on its back legs outside with a person in front of the dog. The dog has one of its front paws lifted into the hand of the person and the person is holding a piece of dog food in their hand.
Positive Reinforcement Training

How we use rewards to encourage skill development and good behaviour.

All animals—humans included—require motivation to repeat a behaviour. When puppies are participating in Guide Dog training or learning new skills, we motivate them through ‘positive reinforcers’; that’s the technical term for food, pats, praise and play.

The positive reinforcement method is the best technique for training well-bonded and reliable Guide Dogs who enjoy learning. Find out what’s involved in the technique, how we tailor our training to meet the individual personalities of each pup, and why it makes for happier, healthier, and highly skilled Guide Dogs.

Learn more about Positive Reinforcement Training.

Learn more about becoming a Guide Dog Trainer.

A Guide Dogs staff member and a yellow labrador dog sitting outside. The staff member is patting the dog whilst smiling and they are both looking at each other.
Guide Dog training and matching

Preparing Guide Dogs for partnerships.

A Guide Dog can create profound change for people with low vision and blindness by offering a perfect blend of independence and companionship. They offer independence through safety and travel techniques learned in the intensive Guide Dog training program. They offer companionship and confidence through the powerful bond shared with the person they are matched with.

We don’t receive any government funding for our Guide Dog training program, so your generous and regular support is essential in helping our puppies change lives.

After training, Guide Dogs are paired with people through a detailed selection process that caters for personality, mobility needs, and lifestyle.

Learn more about the training and matching process.

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How we train Guide Dogs during summer

Training our dogs in warmer months.

At Guide Dogs Victoria we care passionately about our dogs and have special practices in place to protect them from heat in the warmer months.

Learn how we train Guide Dogs during summer.

A ten week old caramel labrador puppy. The puppy is sitting flat on some grass.

Meeting a working dog

A person walking down the street with their yellow labrador Guide Dog who is in a harness.
Learn about Guide Dog etiquette

How to interact with a Guide Dog.

The working relationship between a person and their Guide Dog is based on intensive training, concentration, and subtle cues for interaction. By learning how to behave around a working Guide Dog and understanding the expectations of both the dog and the person, you can create a supportive and comfortable environment for people with low vision.

Learn how to interact with a Guide Dog.

A person looking to the left of the camera smiling with their arm around the neck of a black labrador dog.
What areas can Guide Dogs access?

What to expect when exploring the world with a Guide Dog.

It is important to be aware of your rights when travelling with a Guide Dog. It is also worth knowing the legal obligations of other people in the community, or the responsibilities of business owners and employees.

Increased understanding will benefit everyone by creating a safe and welcoming environment in shops, restaurants, vehicles, theatres and other public areas. Learn where Guide Dogs can legally travel, access the relevant legislation and more.

Learn about exploring the world with a Guide Dog.