But the charity responsible for training them needs more of us to help turn cute puppies into a valuable companion for the visually disabled.

Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is appealing for puppy walkers in Wigan, Golborne, Ashton and Aspull.

Jane Rawlinson, a puppy walking supervisor, said: "We're looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who can care for the pups full-time because at the end of the day, if we don't have puppy walkers we don't have guide dogs.

"Puppy walking is challenging and it is a real commitment to take a puppy in to your home for a year but with the support of Guide Dogs staff, our volunteers find it extremely rewarding and worthwhile."

The young dogs spend their first year of life with volunteers in their home.
They will teach them basic obedience and get them used to a home environment, noise and the bustle of towns.

Volunteers will also prepare the pup for their working life ahead which includes taking them on public transport including, trains and buses.

Jane said volunteers find it rewarding to raise a dog who will one day give a blind person independence.

Guide Dogs supplies basic equipment and covers all veterinary and feeding expenses.

To become a puppy walker volunteers will need to have access to a car.
They will have to be home for most of the day, and free to take their puppy into many varied environments.

Their yard or garden will also need to be securely fenced so that the puppy remains safely within its confines.

To request more information about volunteering for the charity as a puppy walker call Guide Dogs' on 0845 3717771 or email volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk

You can also visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/puppywalking