Guide dog puppies rub paws with the stars at Madame Tussauds Blackpool

Puppies Hector, Henley, Damson, Skippy, Topper, Monty and Irving, who are aged 16 weeks to 13 months old, visited the attraction on Friday 10 July alongside their volunteer Puppy Raisers as part of their early socialisation training.

The special visit gave the young pups the opportunity to experience a wide variety of unfamiliar environments, sounds, lighting, surfaces and lifelike figures in a safe and controlled setting, helping to build their confidence as they prepare for their future roles as guide dogs.

Throughout the visit, the puppies explored the attraction, calmly navigating walkways, interactive displays and realistic wax figures of celebrities, sporting legends and iconic characters. Every new experience helps prepare them for the wide range of situations they may encounter when supporting someone with sight loss.

Beth, Puppy Development Advisor at Guide Dogs, said: "Experiences like this are invaluable for our puppies. As future guide dogs, they'll need to remain calm and confident in all sorts of environments, from busy tourist attractions and shopping centres to transport hubs and public venues.

"Madame Tussauds Blackpool provided the perfect opportunity for our puppies to experience lots of new sights, sounds and surroundings in a positive and controlled way. Every new experience helps them build resilience and confidence, which are essential qualities for a future guide dog.

"All of the puppies did brilliantly. They took everything in their stride, and our fantastic Puppy Raisers supported them throughout by rewarding calm behaviour and helping to make the experience enjoyable and positive.

"We're incredibly grateful to Madame Tussauds Blackpool for welcoming us and giving our puppies such a memorable training opportunity."

Janine Marshall, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Blackpool, said: "We were delighted to welcome Guide Dogs puppies to Madame Tussauds Blackpool and support them as part of their training and socialisation. It was wonderful to see them confidently exploring the attraction, from strolling along the Coronation Street cobbles to meeting our royal corgi in the Royal experience.

“As assistance dogs are welcome throughout the attraction, the visit provided a valuable opportunity to see first-hand how the environment works for future guide dogs and to hear feedback from the Puppy Raisers. We were thrilled to play a small part in their development and look forward to welcoming them back once they have completed their training."

Guide dog puppies spend their first year with a volunteer Puppy Raiser, learning the foundations they'll need for their future role. At around 12 to 14 months old, they begin their formal Guide Dogs training. If successful, they'll go on to become guide dogs, helping people with sight loss live independent, active lives.

For more information about becoming a volunteer Puppy Raiser, visit guidedogs.org.uk/puppyraiser