Guide dog puppies take on Stonehenge training exercise
Training at the historic sight helps pups prepare for future roles
Last updated 30th Oct 2026
Seven guide dog puppies from Guide Dogs South West recently visited Stonehenge for a special training session designed to enhance their focus and confidence.
Led by their Puppy Development Advisor, the puppies practised walking calmly around the renowned Wiltshire landmark, learning to stay attentive amid unfamiliar sights, scents, and distractions.
Such exercises are vital for developing the puppies' skills to remain calm in new environments, preparing them for their future roles as guide dogs.
Leanne Kelly, the Puppy Development Advisor who led the training session, said: "A big part of early training is getting puppies used to different environments, so visiting Stonehenge was excellent experience for them.
"The pups enjoyed exploring the site, while practising their skills. They were rewarded with treats and praise for behaving calmly and ignoring all sorts of exciting sights, scents and distractions."
Guide dog puppies live with their volunteer puppy raisers until they’re 12-18 months old. They then start their formal training, before hopefully qualifying as working guide dogs at around two years of age.
The training session was also enhanced by seasonal festivities, as the puppies encountered pumpkin displays along their journey.
Activities like this are instrumental in ensuring the dogs can maintain their focus and perform their guiding duties effectively.