Guide dog puppies, and the volunteers who care for them, are gaining bus experience thanks to support from Warrington’s Own Buses. Volunteer Puppy Raisers look after puppies for their first year, teaching them basic commands and introducing them to different social environments including public transport, an important lesson for young guide dogs so that they can help a visually impaired person to get around safely.
Puppy Development Advisor for Guide Dogs Adam Koceruk said: “When our puppy raisers are out with their puppies and at bus stations or bus stops, the engine is running, it is loud, people are waiting to go; it’s not the ideal training scenario for young pups. Warrington’s Own Buses has very kindly offered to let our pups and volunteers practice positive associations with all the noises of the bus, getting on and off, settling at a seat, and travelling. This unique training session will give everyone the opportunity to take their time, approach the bus at the puppy’s pace and make it a positive experience. We’d like to say a big thank you to Warrington’s Own Buses for offering this special day for us.”
