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Lifestyle Strata Group

Charity


Our charity of choice is to support 
​The Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

 Guide Dogs NSW/ACT exists to enhance the quality of life of people living with blindness or impaired vision, by assisting in their achievement of independence through access and mobility. We believe people living with impaired vision have equal rights to other people, and respect their right for human dignity.

 Why This Charity. As a lover of dogs especially Labradors, Lifestyle Strata Director Gary Flax, has been supporting the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT for many years and continues to do so.
“I was fortunate enough to grow up with many animals during my childhood and my love for them has continued. I had cats, dogs, birds & fish. One of my favourite pets was my Labrador, where we had lots of fun and enjoyment together. I also found him to be extremely intelligent. This lead me to the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, where I have donated continually for many years. I want to help my chosen charity make it possible for them to continue providing mobility services to people who are blind or vision impaired. I encourage you to donate when possible.”

About the Guide Dog 
​Training 

 It takes nearly two years to develop a playful pup into a responsible Guide Dog. The process outlined below ensures that they get the right dog for the job. It takes nearly two years to develop a playful pup into a responsible Guide Dog. The process outlined below ensures that they get the right dog for the job. It takes nearly two years to develop a playful pup into a responsible Guide Dog. The process outlined below ensures that they get the right dog for the job.

 Step 1: Puppy Raising

New puppies arrive at the Guide Dogs Centre at the age of approximately eight weeks.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT work with purebred Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Labrador/Golden Retriever crosses. These breeds are calm, loyal and intelligent, and have a proven track record as Guide Dogs. They also come in all shapes and sizes – just like the people who use their services! Their veterinarian checks that the new recruits are confident, responsive and healthy – the qualities of a successful Guide Dog. The pups are then placed with families that have been specially selected by Guide Dogs staff. They call them “puppy raisers”. (You can learn more about becoming a puppy raiser from their site.)

 Step 2: Guide Dog training

When the pups are about 14 months old, they return to the Guide Dogs Centre. Over two weeks, their instructors carefully assess every puppy on several long walks. Prospective Guide Dogs must be eager to work, with good concentration and initiative. They must also control the temptation to be distracted by other animals.

 Step 3: Training the Guide Dog team

Dogs that successfully complete their rigorous training program are matched with a potential client. They make sure that the dog is well-suited to the client’s specific lifestyle and travel needs.

Donate to 
​Guide Dogs

 Please go to their website to find out more or donate www.guidedogs.com.au or use the Donate button below.

 Important: Lifestyle Strata Group does not collect or are authorized to collect money on behalf of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. Please make all donations through them only.  We do not gain any financial benefit from your donation, only the reward knowing the charity can continue helping those less fortunate then us.

Donate

Behind The Scenes & About Their Guide Dogs

They have achieved global recognition for the quality of their Guide Dogs and training programs. A Guide Dog can create profound change for people with low vision and blindness, by offering a perfect blend of independence and companionship.

Guide Dogs offer independence through the safety and travel techniques they learn through our world-class Guide Dog training programs. They offer companionship through their unique personalities, and the powerful bond they share with the person they are matched with. The key to their Guide Dogs’ success lies in their experience and attention to individual details and circumstances. Every Guide Dog training support is based on personal preferences. By identifying your needs early on, they can select the best dog specifically for your unique situation. Every Guide Dog takes part in comprehensive safety and relationship training, along with detailed behavioural analysis from an early age. They learn each dog’s individual personality and temperament, to gain a deep understanding of how they may eventually complement with yours.

About Guide Dog Teams.

Each Guide Dog Team is formed through a very special partnership between a person with low vision or blindness and their Guide Dog. This relationship is built through trust, respect, loyalty, extensive training, and love for one another. 

While many people know about a Guide Dog’s skill and training, it’s important to realise that Guide Dog Handlers also undergo intensive training. Throughout this process, Handlers develop specialised skills that help create a successful partnership with their Guide Dog. 



Testimonials 
​What Our Clients Say

Licenced and/or members of the following organisations: