With children heading back to school over the past week, a group of guide dog puppies embarked on a special ‘school trip’ of their own to The Alnwick Garden.

The visit formed part of their early training and socialisation, introducing them to a new environment filled with different sights, sounds, smells and experiences.

Accompanied by their volunteer Puppy Raisers, Kraken, Toby, Tommy, Genevieve, Wheat and Wendie explored and practised the skills that could help prepare them for their future roles as guide dogs.

Guide Dogs organised the visit to highlight the vital role Puppy Raisers play in giving puppies the best possible start to their training journey, as well as the charity’s current need for more volunteers in Alnwick and the surrounding north Northumberland area.

A group of guide dog puppies were taken along to The Alnwick Garden.

placeholder image — A group of guide dog puppies were taken along to The Alnwick Garden.

Gillian Salmon, puppy development advisor at Guide Dogs, said: “Visits like this are a really important part of a guide dog puppy’s early development.

“Our puppies need to become comfortable and confident in lots of different environments, so The Alnwick Garden gave them a fantastic opportunity to encounter new sights, sounds and smells.

“Our volunteer Puppy Raisers are there to support and encourage them through all these new experiences. It’s an incredibly rewarding role and we’d love to hear from more people in Alnwick and across north Northumberland who might be able to help give a guide dog puppy the best possible start.”

Puppy Raisers welcome a guide dog puppy into their home and help introduce them to the different people, places and experiences they may encounter as a future guide dog.

The visit formed part of their early training and socialisation.

Volunteers receive on-going guidance and support from Guide Dogs throughout the puppy’s development, and all essential costs are covered.

Dave Paterson, visitor engagement officer at The Alnwick Garden, said: “We were delighted to welcome the guide dog puppies and their Puppy Raisers.

“Accessibility and inclusion are central to our mission, and we are proud to support Guide Dogs while continuing to ensure The Alnwick Garden is a place that everyone can visit, enjoy and feel welcome.”

To find out more about becoming a Puppy Raiser in Alnwick and north Northumberland, go to www.guidedogs.org.uk/puppyraising