Help us train Keano to be a legend!

Poor Keano cut his paw whilst out walking. Most dogs hate the vets, therefore it's important to train a pup to have a positive experience so they are not anxious. Clare made sure she gave Keano lots of positive associations e.g. yummy treats. After only a couple of days rest he was up running about as normal!

The goal of puppy raising is to train the puppy to become well-mannered and socialised. At 36 weeks Keano is on track in his journey to become a Guide Dog or Assistance Dog. Here he is being so well-behaved whilst attending mass in Naas Church.

Keano has a playdate with his sister Kylie and another pal whom Keano manages to jump over! Regular free runs are essential throughout a dog's working life - allowing them time out of harness and downtime from the responsibility of keeping their owner safe.

Pups are curious about everything and free runs are a great opportunity to widen their world. On his free run, Keano is confused about an item he hadn't seen before. He might need some dribbling lessons from an expert. Think we might know someone who can help!

Keano has sneaked off for a snooze on the sofa...which is not allowed. Rather than startle him whilst he is still sleepy, Clare will instead gently reinforce over time that sleeping on the sofa is not acceptable. It can be a hazard for a vision impaired person or simply just not liked in someone's home.

Another weekend spent racing. Not a bother on Keano - totally chilled! As always, Puppy Raiser Clare will be looking for signs of stress and will remove Keano from the environment, if necessary.

Keano takes a trip to the beach. Digging in the sand and dipping his paws in the sea for the first time. He's loving it.

Keano tries a lift for the first time. He's very curious but quite relaxed. His future Guide Dog owner or Assistance Dog owner will have great freedom knowing Keano can navigate different aspects of everyday life.

A play date with sister Kylie. Playdates are a great way to work on recalls as the pup would surely rather play with their buddy than return to their human. What better way to teach Keano that if he returns to Clare, his reward is to play again.

Keano’s first visit to the hairdressers. Once again experiencing normal every day life.

As part of Keano’s training, he needs to be accustomed to the sounds of city and country life – he could be matched with someone anywhere in the country.

Puppy Raiser Clare’s son is a huge racing fan. Here Keano, aged 17 weeks, visits Kirkistown track and is totally chilled out despite the noise of the engines.

Keano loves the car. The ability to comfortably travel in a car will help Keano bring more independence to whomever he is matched with.

A St. Patrick’s Day parade would have been too overstimulating for Keano at his age, so a quieter walk down the canal was the better option for his training.

Time for Keano to sniff about and enjoy the spring daffodils. Allowing Keano to investigate the world around him is a crucial part of the training process. It gives Clare, his Puppy Raiser, information on what he may or may not be comfortable with.

Keano has received his second vaccination so is now able to take his first trip outdoors, fashionably attired in his Brendan Courtney designed bandana!