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About our Dogs.

Learn more about our Guide Dogs and their work in the community.
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.

Get to know our Guide Dogs

Since 1957, Guide Dogs Victoria has been the leading provider of Guide Dogs throughout Australia. We have achieved global recognition for the quality of our Guide Dogs and training programs.

The key to success lies in experience and attention to individual detail. Every training support is based on personal preference. By identifying yours early on, we can select the best dog specifically for you.

Our Guide Dogs take part in comprehensive safety and relationship training, and detailed behavioural analysis from an early age. We learn each dog’s skills and temperament to gain an intimate understanding of how they might eventually match yours.

We take the same thorough approach to educating the community about the valuable work of a Guide Dog. Learn the story of how puppies grow into Guide Dogs, understand the best way to interact with a person and their working dog, familiarise yourself with where a Guide Dog can and cannot go, and learn about different career paths for puppies.

Our Guide Dogs provide so much more than mobility benefits. They can enhance social participation, well-being, and encourage their handler to try new experiences and challenges. Learn more here.

Learn about Positive Reinforcement Training

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 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.

What areas can Guide Dogs access?

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.

A person looking to the left of the camera smiling with their arm around the neck of a black labrador dog.

 

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

Learn about Guide Dog etiquette

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 walking down the street with their yellow labrador Guide Dog who is in a harness.

Learn about Guide Dog training and matching

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.

View our latest graduates from the past year.

Learn more about the training and matching process

 

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.

How we train Guide Dogs during summer

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.

Learn about Reclassified Dogs

Due to the exceptionally high standards required in successful Guide Dog work, some puppies are not suited to the full Guide Dog training process.

Although some may not go into the Guide Dog program, socialised puppies can take on all sorts of jobs and bring happiness to people in many different ways. Puppies can work in the Pets As Therapy program, become Companion Dogs, and more.

Learn about or apply for a Therapy Dog

View our latest graduates from the past year.

Learn more about different puppy careers

Meet our Canine Ambassadors

A young child laying down looking into the face of a yellow labrador dog with a smile on their face, They are both outside and are sitting facing each other.

Apply for a service

If you are hoping to access support for someone you know, we welcome referrals from friends, family members, and a wide range of health professionals.

For more information on accessing support services, training programs, or to start improving or regaining your independence:

Two eight week old labrador puppies, one yellow and one black, seated outside looking at the camera. They are both wearing orange dog coats,

Donate a ball to our Puppy Ball Pit!

Join the fun and support our cause by donating a ball today.