Meet the adorable golden retriever starting training as a guide dog in Leeds

By Emma Hill
Contributor
Published 2nd Oct 2024, 10:53 BST
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Golden Retriever Doyle has recently started his guide dog training at the Guide Dogs training centre in Thorner and the charity is urgently appealing for more homes for other future guide dogs due to begin their training this coming winter.

Trainee guide dog Doyle has recently started his guide dog training at the Guide Dogs training centre in Thorner, Leeds.

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During the day, Doyle learns the skills he needs to become a life-changing guide dog. But during his evenings and weekends, he gets to relax and unwind in his new home with his volunteer Fosterers.

The charity’s Fosterers take care of trainee guide dogs whilst they complete their formal training, which takes around six months, and they are in urgent need of more people to become volunteers.

Trainee guide dog Doyle who has recently started training at the Guide Dogs centre in LeedsTrainee guide dog Doyle who has recently started training at the Guide Dogs centre in Leeds
Trainee guide dog Doyle who has recently started training at the Guide Dogs centre in Leeds

Paul Bush, Guide Dogs Partnerships Manager, said: “Doyle is just one of the latest dogs to join us at our centre in Thorner.

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“His Fosterer drops him off at ‘school’ in the morning, and he spends his day with a Guide Dog Trainer, learning how to guide someone with sight loss.

“At the end of the day, his Fosterer takes him home where he can enjoy some cuddles, playtime and relax – ready for the next day.

“We urgently need more Fosterers to take care of dogs like Doyle, so we can create more guide dog partnerships.

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Guide Dog Trainer Elysha McBride with Doyle on his first day in guide dog training in LeedsGuide Dog Trainer Elysha McBride with Doyle on his first day in guide dog training in Leeds
Guide Dog Trainer Elysha McBride with Doyle on his first day in guide dog training in Leeds

“Being a Fosterer for Guide Dogs is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to be a part of their journey and help prepare them for their future role supporting someone with sight loss."    

“We’ll provide all the support and training you need, so you feel well equipped to care for your dog when they arrive with you. Guide Dogs pays for essential costs, including food and vet bills, we just ask you to provide a bed, bowl and a couple of toys for him or her to enjoy.

“If you’d like to find out more about becoming a Fosterer for Guide Dogs in Leeds, please do get in touch.    

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“With your support, we can help train more life-changing guide dogs for people in the UK living with sight loss.”   

Trainee guide dog Doyle running through a field during a free runTrainee guide dog Doyle running through a field during a free run
Trainee guide dog Doyle running through a field during a free run

Doyle is a 16-month-old Golden Retriever. All being well, he will qualify as a working guide dog when he is around two years old.

Volunteers must be aged over 18 and have suitable housing. You must be able to give a guide dog pup the love and attention they deserve.    

To find out more, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/fosterer or call 0800 781 1444.    

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