Guide dogs with an image problem

JOHN KIRK-ANDERSON/The Press

SMART START: Frayser, left, and Fendi look sharp for trainer Robyn Pahl. She says the pups are intelligent and will make great guide dogs.

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Guide dog trainers are having problems with people refusing to believe poodle puppies are the genuine article.

Robyn Pahl, puppy development assistant for Guide Dog Services, said poodles' lap-dog reputation counted against them. "I think people are used to poodles being carried by people and used as a handbag.

"We have had problems with access and people not understanding. Because they are poodles, people think they must be pets, and puppy-walkers have been asked to leave shops."

Labradors and German shepherds were more usual breeds for guide dogs, but poodles could do just as good a job, Ms Pahl said.

"They are very, very intelligent. People do think they are a snooty kind of dog, but they make great guide dogs."

The puppies live with walkers for up to 16 months before going to Auckland to finish training.

"We want to make people aware that poodles are guide dogs. They need to go in shops and taxis and on buses – anywhere that humans go," Ms Pahl said.

Diana Wilson said she struck problems walking her trainee dog, 19-week-old Frayser. "For some reason, people think it is your pet dog and you just happen to have a coat on it, or they can't read the coat."

Poodles were worth the trouble, she said. "It is amazing to learn about their different personalities. They are awesome. It's time-consuming, but good time-consuming."