About this Blog

Welcome to Puppy Hector's Blog:
Follow RTE 2fm's "Breakfast with Hector" adopted pup's progress as he trains to become a guide dog for a person living with sight loss or an assistance dog for families of children with autism.

RTE 2fm & Hector Ó hEochagáin:  RTE 2fm's Breakfast Show Crew and host Hector ÓhEochagáin have been supporting pup Hector since adopting him at 8 weeks of age. During the last year, they have been helping us create awareness about our work and just what goes into into training a guide dog. Their support has been invaluable and has helped to raise much needed funds towards Hector's training. 

About the Blog Authors, Susan Turtle and Michele Munnelly:
Susan Turtle has been with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind as a trainer for over
13 years. Puppy Hector joined her in January this year to commence Early
Training. She'll be keeping you posted on his progress over the next few months. Prior to January, Hector was with Volunteer Puppy Walker, Michele Munnelly who helped him get started
on his journey to becoming a guide or assistance dog.    

About Puppy Hector:
Hector was born on 17 October 2010 and is German Shepherd x Golden Retriever. He is an intelligent, lively dog destined to become a life changing partner to a person living with sight loss or a family of a child with autism.   

The role of a Puppy Walker:
A Volunteer PW fosters a pup
from 8 weeks of age to 12 months. During this time, the
pup becomes part of their lives
at home. A PW cares for and trains the pup to become a well rounded, confident, calm, willing, mannerly and socially acceptable dog.  The main focus
is on obedience and socialisation, ensuring the pup is comfortable in many different environments like shops, restaurants, buses, trains, busy streets and malls etc.  Also the dog must get on with and not be distracted by people and other animals.  All of this provides the pup with a solid foundation for their future training and role as a guide or assistance dog. All training is done through positive reinforcement, learning should
be fun, "a happy pup is a willing pup".

Supported by PW Supervisors:
Volunteer PWs are supported by our PW Supervisors who provide training and ongoing guidance. This is done through practical Puppy Training Classes, home visits and one‐on‐one training in supermarkets, shops, train
stations etc.  The PW Supervisors provide valuable guidance and support to help equip our Volunteers for the task at hand and to monitor each pup's progress. All veterinary fees and feeding costs are covered by The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind along with placing pups in homes when Volunteer PW's go on holidays.

Come on and become a Puppy Walker for Irish Guide Dogs!
It is a commitment but one that is rewarding and great fun!
Go to www.guidedogs.ie to apply!

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