We all know the old adage that dogs are a man’s best friend, but I have to say, I really think it’s true.

I was lucky enough recently to be given the opportunity to have a little look into what Guide Dog Trainers do as well as meeting some of the dogs they work with and it is truly remarkable how bonded they are with the dogs, and brilliant to see the dogs eager to work but having fun at the same time.

The dogs they work with are a complete mix with Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds (as well as numerous crosses they told us about) and they have even had a few Border Collies come through the doors (I wish I could have seen as I have a GIANT softspot for collies).

The trainers are all lovely and have a fantastic relationship with their dogs which is brilliant to see and the techniques are positive with lots of praise and fuss given to the dogs (who all have very waggy tails and happy body language).

They all agreed that training standards are very high – they have to be for the kind of work that the dogs do – but that it is incredibly fulfilling and satisfying to see a dog partnered with a blind or partially sighted person and potentially giving them a new lease of life.

Of course, it isn’t just Guide Dogs who can completely change someone’s life, there are also Hearing Dogs, Pets As Therapy (PAT) Dogs, Dogs for The Disabled and Canine Partners to name a few.

The people and dogs that work for these charities are absolutely incredible and I encourage you all to go along to any fundraisers and see what they do.