Support dogs-in-training have a wild time at Dudley Zoo and Castle

TRAINEE assistance dogs had a wild time when they were invited to carry out some training at a zoo.

Louis and Garry, who are honing their skills with the national Support Dogs charity, padded along to Dudley Zoo and Castle, where they got to grips with the general sights and sounds of the venue.

It was paw-fect for getting the two-year-old black Labs used to different animals and crowds, as they will both soon be a lifeline for an autistic child.

Support Dogs trains and provides specialist assistance dogs to help autistic children, as well as those living with epilepsy or a physical disability to live safer, more independent lives.

Louis and Garry are both being trained on the charity’s autism assistance programme, which is life-changing for both the autistic child and their family.

Autism assistance dogs are trained to provide safety and to facilitate a more independent and socially inclusive life for both the autistic child and their family.

These wonderdogs can reduce stress for family members, provide safety and positive changes in behaviour, comfort when the child is upset and also help to reduce behavioural outbursts.

As youngsters will want to visit places like zoos, playgrounds and theme parks – or will be empowered to by these dogs when they previously felt too anxious to attend such settings – trainers take the dogs to places likely to be visited by families.

Louis and Garry were accompanied by trainers Jemima McLanaghan and Emily High on their zoo trip.

Jemima said: “The children these dogs are going to assist both like to visit the zoo, so it was a brilliant opportunity for us to practise with the dogs to get them used to the sights, sounds and smells of a zoo environment.

“Louis and Garry have been to farms and stables before but hadn’t had the opportunity to see animals much larger than a cow!

“Both us trainers and the dogs really enjoyed our visit – everyone was so friendly and accommodating, it really helped us build the dogs’ confidence.”

Zoo Director, Matt Lewis, said: “We understand a zoo environment can be a daunting experience for some, with lots of different smells and noises.

“As the first zoo certified as being autism-friendly by Dimensions back in 2024, we’re committed to being as accessible as possible as we strive to connect everyone with nature and recognise the importance of assistance dogs in allowing people to visit attractions like ours.

“We were pleased to welcome Louis and Garry to Dudley Zoo and Castle as part of their training and hope to welcome them back as fully-fledged working support dogs with their new families in the future.”

To find out more about the work of Support Dogs, please visit www.supportdogs.org.uk or call 0114 2617800.