Inspired by Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, The Shambles made the perfect setting for Magic’s training adventure. Alongside his volunteer Puppy Raiser Nadine Field, Magic explored some of the city’s most iconic attractions – from The Potions Cauldron and The Shop That Must Not Be Named to York’s “most haunted” pub, The Golden Fleece – all while practising his focus and composure among the Halloween and half-term crowds.
“Magic wasn’t fazed by the new surroundings at all,” says Nadine. “It’s amazing to see how much he’s grown in confidence, especially as it’s my first time volunteering as a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs. I’m super proud of how he handled everything we asked of him — he really does live up to his name, Magic! Experiences like this are brilliant for his development, and with it being his first Halloween, it’s lovely to see him taking it all in his stride.”
Building confidence through new experiences
We design experiences like this to help young dogs like Magic learn how to stay calm and confident in the world around them — essential skills for their future as life-changing guide dogs.
Wendy Huggins, one of our Puppy Development Supervisors, explains:
“Busy streets, unusual decorations and noisy crowds can all be new experiences for young dogs, but they’re perfect opportunities to build confidence. Learning to stay calm and focused in unpredictable situations is a big part of what makes a great guide dog. Witnessing that journey from puppyhood to partnership really is where the magic happens.”
Helping all dogs feel calm this Halloween
While Magic took his training day in his stride, not all dogs find this time of year easy.
In a poll of 126 guide dog owners last year, more than a quarter (26%) said their working guide dog shows signs of fear or distress around fireworks, such as trembling, pacing or panting.
To help keep pets relaxed and happy, our Canine Behaviour and Welfare Team share their top tips:
Slowly introduce costumes – Let your dog sniff and explore new items like wigs, hats or masks before you wear them. Reward calm behaviour and take things at your dog’s pace.
Build up to new sounds – Play recordings of fireworks or doorbells quietly first, increasing volume only if your dog stays relaxed.
Decorate in stages – Add decorations gradually so your dog can adjust to new sights and smells.
Create a safe space – Give your dog a cosy den with their bed and toys where they can retreat if they feel unsettled.
Avoid scary attractions – While our dogs in training visit busy places under guidance, pet dogs may find these overwhelming. Skip noisy events or parties and skip the costumes – Dressing dogs up can restrict movement or make them uncomfortable. Keep the fun for the humans!
Keep treats out of reach – Chocolate, raisins and xylitol are toxic to dogs, and sweet wrappers can cause choking or tummy upsets.
You can find more advice on seasonal dangers for dogs here.
From puppyhood to partnership
Every day, our volunteers help puppies like Magic gain the confidence they’ll need to one day guide someone with sight loss.
We rely almost entirely on donations and the support of our incredible volunteers to make that happen.
If you’d like to learn more about the life-changing journey of our guide dogs and the people who help raise them, visit our Puppy Raiser volunteering page.
