Does anyone on here do/did puppy walking for guide dogs ? Although I am hoping to have my own pup next summer if money is a constraint still  and I cant actually have my own permanent addition I am thinking this could be worthwhile alternative for a year or two

I did it for 18yrs. So long as you are able to hand the dog back at the end of its time with you you should enjoy it. there are some restaints, i.e how long you work, dog left on own etc. give them a ring and they can explailn to you.

A friends Mother in work does this and she loves it, she says it is so rewarding to go to their 'passing out' knowing that she has helped to get them to that point of training.

I think I could hand them back if I think of it as them being prepared for qork. My first is still my own pup but oh is concerned that it may take a while toget ourselves financially stable again amd  as I now work partime I feel I have the time for a pup if not the money. Will continue to make enquiries at the same time as seeing how we go regarding my own addition. Obviously wouldnt consider to do both !

Hi Ailsa Fidler a flatcoat lady is / was until recently involved in puppy walking. Also one of the trainers is a flatcoat lady.

Thats interesting Polly. As I said my first choice is still aflatcoat pup of my own and hopefully to be able to get involved with Jill's group but if that has to be delayed abit I would like to be able to do something doggy (not dodgy as I first typed lol) and worthwhile. Does that sound reasonable.

Im a Puppy Walker for Guide Dogs, if I can be of any help let me know :)  My second Pup Usher is due to go into training on the 15th November :(

If you want to have a little look at what we've been up to in the last 10 months have a look here: [url=]www.guidedogs.org.uk/blog[/url]

Hiya
I was indeed a puppy walker for Guide Dogs for 5 years. I am happy to discuss it with you at great length, but via PM only. What I have to say isn't all good and is not for a public forum.

Sorry...I was the Ailsa Polly referred to :-)

Thanks everyone will be in touch

Lovely to talk to you, wish you all the luck in the world with whatever you decide to do x

Thank you Ramble am checking out other organisations to. Enjoyed our chat and as I hope it has given us cintrol freaks food for thought. Brilliant to meet a relation of Josie and nice to get some information about breeders.

it is a small world...especially in FCRs! :-)

so I am learning - fast Didnt make the most of it with Josie certainly will this time even its not for a year or two I am sure flatties arnt going anywhere so there will plenty for me lol

FCR people are lovely. :-)

Oh well thats that. having down loads of research talked to people( Yes you know who you are and thank you)  and given due consideration to my idea I have discovered there are no charities who I can puppy walk for. Croydon is in the wrong place there is no one including guide dogs who cover this area.
I was doing well with police for a bit ( i am in the right place for them being practically next door ) then discovered they are not keen on placing where there are other dogs and I have( 2 modelling correct behaviour for the police ). Also their training regime at puppy stage would be quite difficult I felt alongside mine. That is it is more dont train rather than do this this and this.
So back to square one.
Oh well  it just looks like I will have to save my pennies and pursuade oh that now is the time or at least soon to have my flat coat pup so roll on next summer !

ooooooh a flattie pup :) yay i am hooked on FCR's :)

> That is it is more dont train rather than do this this and this.

Far too many dogs have been ruined by too much training during puppy walking.

> have my flat coat pup so roll on next summer !

Still think this is the best idea :-)

Thanks sue I wasnt critizing the police they have a purpose for their dogs different to others. just being honest that I would have found it very difficult with what they needed alongside mine. You only find these things out by asking questions

Ff, I know you weren't. I wanted to add the point for others in case they were reading and wondering why. :-)