Puppies are assessed throughout the 12-18 month Puppy Raising Program for their suitability for training as a Guide Dog. Our Guide Dog Instructors assess their reactions to other dogs, cats, trains, buses and situations they are likely to encounter as a working Guide Dog. If a puppy is assessed as having potential as a successful Guide Dog, they will receive 5 months of intensive training with a Guide Dog Instructor, and then 1 month of training with their partner so they can travel together safely and independently.

Where do you source Guide Dogs?

We work closely with Western Australia's leading Labrador breeding programs at our Guide Dog Kennels. Our Guide Dog success rates meet international best practice standards. We use Labrador Retrievers which is the most popular breed used as Guide Dogs throughout the world. Our breeding program uses proven breeding lines which reduce the incidence of inherited conditions.

What happens to dogs that are unsuitable as Guide Dogs?

Most dogs that are unsuitable to be Guide Dogs become companion dogs to children who are blind or vision impaired. If they are not suitable as companion dogs they will go to loving families, be placed back with their Puppy Raisers, or offered to friends of the Association as normal house pets.

What age do you have to be to in order to be eligible for a Guide Dog?

You usually have to be at least 18 years of age to be considered for a Guide Dog. Children under 18 who are blind or vision impaired use a white cane or have a family member or friend guide them around (sighted guide).

Can a Guide Dog judge width and height?

A Guide Dog is taught to judge the width it has to allow in order for the vision impaired person to avoid bumping into things such as other people, prams and bicycles. They are also taught to judge heights to avoid overhead obstacles such as overhanging branches. It is not the dog that makes the decision about when to cross the road. In general, the owner knows whether traffic is moving, or whether cars have stopped.

What's the average working life of a Guide Dog?

Guide Dogs usually begin work with their clients at about 20 months old, with a well-earned retirement about 8 to 10 years later. When a guide dog retires it usually stays with the Guide Dog user and enjoys a normal home life.

Where are Guide Dogs allowed?

By law, Guide Dogs are permitted to travel in taxis and on public transport, and are allowed in all public places such as restaurants, shopping centres, hospitals, theatres, etc. It is an offence to refuse entry to a person accompanied by a registered Guide Dog.

These rights are covered by the following legislation:

Disability Services Act 1993 (WA)
Disability Services Standards (FaCSIA) 2007 (Commonwealth)
Disability Services Act 1986 (Commonwealth)
Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth)
Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Commonwealth)
Dog Act 1976
Disability Services Standards 1993 (WA)

The Disability Services Commission can provide more information on access legislation.

How much does it cost to train a Guide Dog?

The cost of training each Guide Dog is approximately $30,000. There is some variance in the total cost depending on the cost of the puppy and the training required, as some Guide Dog partnerships take longer to graduate. Training durations are also affected by the innate maturity of each dog as well as other factors that are unique to each client and their needs.

To help contribute to the cost of training a Guide Dog, visit our How You Can Help page.