Paws for empowerment

Another pair of eyes

According to Wang, along with the considerable training expenses, the selection and training process for guide dogs is also notably rigorous.

The Dalian center upholds its own breeding program to ensure high-quality lineage. Its research team diligently investigates the biology and genetics of guide dog breeding.

"We maintain a success rate of 40 to 50 percent in guide dog training, which is relatively high on a global scale," said Wang Xin, a trainer who has been working at the center since 2010.

She explained that 90 percent of the center's guide dogs are Labradors, valued for their gentle nature and intelligence.

Once suitable guide dog puppies are identified, they undergo personality assessments in the lab, followed by socialization techniques during foster care and further evaluations.

One volunteer, surnamed Sun, has fostered four puppies since 2019. Her first puppy, Bohe, became a working guide dog in 2021, while the other three didn't pass subsequent training and assessments. One of them was then adopted by Sun, and the other two also found loving homes through adoption.

"Raising guide dogs is quite different from raising pet dogs," said Sun. She strictly adheres to the center's guidelines for their care, including controlled feeding and teaching the dogs to reject food when necessary. She also regularly guides them along tactile paths during their outings.

After the fostering period, the dog candidates return to the center for about one and a half years of skill training, during which they learn to navigate obstacles and adjust to various road conditions.

Throughout the training process, guide dogs may be disqualified for various reasons, including their performance, physical health, personality, and psychological traits.

According to Wang Xin, an ideal guide dog should not be overly curious, excitable, or timid. "These characteristics could cause distractions during work, which can be dangerous for visually impaired individuals," she explained.

However, even if the dogs successfully pass all evaluations, they could still be disqualified if they don't enjoy the role of a guide dog, Wang Xin added. "Every guide dog that graduated from our center takes pride in its work and remains focused," she said.

Typically, guide dogs serve for six to 10 years. Those who are disqualified or retired are usually adopted by their raisers, the users themselves or their families, or volunteers.