A PUPdate from Guide Dogs on our Guide Dog puppy, Basil...

Since we last wrote to you, Basil has improved further in his training and learnt lots of new things - we’ve spoken to his Puppy Development Advisor, Lucy, to find out how he’s getting on. Basil now wears the Guide Dogs puppy jacket while out on training walks. This jacket is useful for showing people that the puppy wearing it is in training and shouldn’t be distracted. It also helps pups get used to the feeling of something on their back in preparation for wearing a harness in the later stages of training.

Recently, Basil has been honing a new skill - his recall, on the free runs he’s been able to enjoy since receiving the last of his vaccinations. Lucy said that Basil’s recall is really good to both the whistle and his name being called and that his Puppy Raiser has reported no issues with this. Basil has been visiting towns, supermarkets and cafés and also attends his Puppy Raiser’s place of work regularly and is well behaved wherever he goes. He’s not fazed by bikes or prams and is happy using stairs and lifts when out. Lucy said that Basil loves meeting people and especially likes children but remains calm while enjoying a fuss. Well done, Basil!

Lucy told us that Basil has now started using buses regularly with his Puppy Raiser and is happy and confident when travelling on them. He’s also been to a train station to get used to the sights and sounds there to prepare him for his first train journey soon. Lucy describes Basil as a happy and laid-back pup who is doing well with his training so far. She said he’s lovely to live with and is adaptable - he’s recently been boarded out to another local Guide Dogs’ volunteer and settled into their home well. We think that Basil sounds like an absolute delight; a spirited pup who’s doing well with all his training, and clearly thriving in his loving home. We look forward to sending you Basil’s next report card soon.

Flickr album: Basil, our Guide Dog, visited King's Bruton - 27th April 2023 | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin