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[00:00.39] Dogs are in high demand as pets.

[00:09.16] In fact, 36% of households in the UK own one, according to the UK Pet Food survey 2024.

[00:10.23] Our canine pals can be cute, cuddly and loyal friends.

[00:15.00] But, for many owners, dogs are much more than this – they are a lifeline.

[00:21.12] Assistance dogs provide essential support, increased independence and companionship for disabled people and people with medical conditions – they have even saved lives.

[00:33.60] There are many different types of assistance dogs out there, from hearing dogs to autism dogs to guide dogs.

[00:41.57] But what makes the perfect assistance dog?

[00:46.08] Common assistance dog breeds are Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and German shepherds.

[00:52.46] The most common guide dog in the UK is the golden retriever-Labrador cross, which, according to the Guide Dogs National Centre, has a 'combination of desirable traits'.

[01:06.00] Guide dogs need to be able to lead a blind or visually impaired person outside and inside, while avoiding distractions and recognising and avoiding obstacles such as changes in elevation, like tree roots, curbs and stairs.

[01:23.01] With that in mind, training puppies is essential.

[01:26.99] The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association trains puppies using positive reinforcement, rewarding good behaviour with food, praise and affection.

[01:37.08] When it comes to hearing dogs, a very important part of their training is sound awareness – alerting their deaf partner to sounds they would otherwise miss, for example a smoke alarm, an alarm clock or a crying baby.

[01:52.49] Katie Grundy, a puppy trainer at the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, teaches puppies targeting, a technique where the dogs touch a target, like a hand, with their nose for a treat.

[02:06.03] This teaches hearing dogs how to notify their partner when a sound goes off.

[02:11.61] At the end of training, not all pups qualify, but they are put up for adoption and, of course, make excellent lovable pets.