Virgin Trains supports Guide Dog training

2013-03-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Virgin Trains and the British Transport Police have joined forces to help a guide dog get accustomed to the railway environment.

For most of us, getting on and off a train is not a matter of concern and barely something we pay any attention to. But for a person who is blind or partially sighted this can prove a dangerous and stressful exercise. That is why getting on and off trains is an important step during the training of guide dogs.

Skippy is a 14-month-old Labrador guide dog with a slight phobia of high train steps. So to help his trainer Zoe Aird, BTP Sergeant Jane Evans contacted Virgin Trains and asked if Skippy could spend a bit of time practicing getting on and off a train carriage.

The exercise was quite a success, and after 20 minutes and a few reward treats, Skippy was feeling a bit more confident. No doubt we will see him back soon to carry on his railway familiarisation.

For more information on Guide Dogs visit their website: www.guidedogs.org.uk

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