Culture Fix for Guide Dog Pups

A group of guide dog puppies have been studying masterpieces, from ancient Roman sculpture to paintings by Rembrandt, on a recent training visit to Chatsworth House.

The six pups, Edwards, Uska, Kano, Reuben, Nacho and Abbi, who are all in the early stages of their guide dog training, were given special access to the house.

Apart from qualified assistance dogs, dogs are not usually allowed inside the stately home due to the fragile nature of some items on display, but an exception was made for this group of future guide dogs.

The pups explored the Painted Hall, the State Rooms, and the galleries, which contain works of art that span 4,000 years.

It was the second of two training visits to the Derbyshire estate, with another group of pups visiting Chatsworth’s farmyard last month.

Each pup was accompanied by their volunteer Puppy Raiser, who looks after them until they are just over a year old, before they move to a Guide Dogs’ centre to start their formal training.

Volunteer Puppy Raisers for sight loss charity Guide Dogs provide puppies with vital foundations for their future role, teaching them basic commands and helping them get used to different environments.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone at Chatsworth for supporting with the important training visits we’ve been running this summer,” said Stephanie Cupitt, Puppy Development Advisor for Guide Dogs.

“As part of our vital training for our pups, it’s important that they are exposed to different environments, with a variety of sights and sounds, to help them grow up to become confident guide dogs.

“To support this, we try to organise days out for them, similar to school trips, where they can experience new places and learn how to behave well in these settings.

“Our visits to Chatsworth have provided a great opportunity for our pups to explore sensory environments, in a controlled way, preparing them for any similar visits they might make during their working life.”

To find out more about becoming a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs visit https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering/volunteer-with-our-dogs/puppy-raiser/