Darwin was born completely blind, but that hasn't stopped him from graduating dog school.

Dogs Trust adapted training for cockerpoo Darwin.

A nine-month-old blind puppy has graduated Dogs Trust's Dog School as training methods were adapted for him.

Darwin, a crossbreed cockerpoo, was born at Dogs Trust Basildon in October 2021. His mother was brought into Dogs Trust pregnant after being smuggled into the UK. 

It was soon discovered that Darwin was completely blind, and needed to be adopted by people willing to undertake specially adapted training with him. He was adopted by Bethany Godbert in Hertfordshire.

Dogs Trust's Dog School carefully adapted their program to suit Darwin's needs, and Charlotte Vallancey, coach at the school, said: “As Darwin is blind, we needed to adapt our usual training methods in order to accommodate Darwin and ensure the training was best suited to him and Bethany.

“Working on verbal cues was important and we would use clear sounds that Darwin could easily pick up on, as well as using the smell of tasty treats as a guide for him to follow. 

“We really focused on the skills that Darwin would need to live safely and happily with his family.”

Alongside Darwin, Bethany also has Newton, a three-year-old beagle adopted from Dogs Trust in 2019. 

“Newton immediately accepted Darwin as his fur-brother and best friend, and they are great together and love to play chase in the garden,” Bethany said.

“When we are out on walks, Newton wears a bell on his collar to help Darwin navigate, a training tip we picked up from Dog School.

“I was so impressed with how accommodating Dog School were with Darwin, he thoroughly enjoyed attending the training sessions, and all their help and support enabled me to understand how I can better communicate with Darwin and make both of our lives that much easier. 


“Since Darwin graduated, I began volunteering at the Dog School each week, so I can also help dogs like Darwin.”

Image (C) Dogs Trust