Guide dog puppies in training attend Royal Ascot

Four ladies bent down are wearing long colourful dress with big hats and fascinators are holdin leads for two dogs a german shepherd to the left and a labrador to the right.Image source, Guide Dogs
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Guide dog puppies aged from 12 weeks to 10 months attended Royal Ascot as part of their training

  • Published

Guide dog puppies have been attending Royal Ascot as part of their socialisation training ahead of the race season.

New research from the Guide Dogs charity suggests nearly one in eight dogs can be "confused and scared" when confronted with oversized hats.

The puppies, who range from 12 weeks to 10 months, were exposed to "new sights, sounds, and scents" to help their development.

Puppy development advisor at the charity Chloe Southby said Royal Ascot offered a "unique training opportunity" of being exposed to "extravagant hats and fascinators".

Two ladies holding a golden labrador puppy, the lady to the left is wearing a big pink hat and the lady to the right has a navy fascinator on.Image source, Guide Dogs
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Puppy development advisor at the charity Chloe Southby said large hats could "make familiar people seem unfamiliar"

Ms Southby said: "Some dogs are wary of new or unusual objects like hats and may find them unsettling, especially when worn by someone they know.

"It can make familiar people seem unfamiliar.

"That's why environments like Ascot are so valuable for socialising our puppies – helping them grow into confident guide dogs who can support people."

Corporate social values manager at Ascot Racecourse Jacqui Greet said: "We are proud to provide an accessible environment for all racegoers and welcome any guest with an assistance dog."

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