Helping Hands project: Sensory garden and obstacle course
At South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind, our mission is to create an enriching environment that fully prepares our puppies and dogs for their future as Assistance Dogs. A crucial part of this preparation involves socialisation and exposure to a variety of environments, textures, sights and sounds.
The Puppy Raising department envisioned establishing a sensory garden and upgrading the existing obstacle course, both of which play a pivotal role in the comprehensive training of Assistance Dogs. These specialised spaces provide an invaluable foundation for their development, enhancing sensory and physical abilities while ensuring they are confident and adaptable in real-world situations.
The benefits of a sensory garden and obstacle course
- Enhancing sensory development
A sensory garden introduces dogs to different textures, scents, visual elements and sounds which are essential for the development of their sensory acuity. Navigating diverse surfaces such as stones, grass, bark and textured paving helps desensitise them to unfamiliar stimuli, ensuring they remain calm and focused in any setting.
- Building confidence and problem-solving skills
Incorporating obstacles within the sensory garden encourages problem-solving and confidence-building. Features like tunnels, ramps and balance beams challenge the dogs, promoting coordination and mental sharpness. These activities simulate real-world scenarios, teaching the dogs to navigate obstacles with ease and boosting their confidence in unfamiliar environments.
- Improving physical fitness and agility
Regular interaction with an obstacle course strengthens physical fitness and agility. These exercises enhance strength, flexibility and overall wellbeing, which are crucial for the demanding tasks Assistance Dogs perform. A well-conditioned dog is more capable and less prone to injuries, ensuring a longer, healthier working life.
- Fostering adaptability and resilience
Exposure to different visual elements, such as varying light conditions and movable objects, fosters adaptability and resilience. Assistance Dogs must remain composed and responsive in dynamic environments, and by acclimating to changing visuals and movements, they learn to stay focused and effective regardless of distractions.
Bringing the vision to life
The journey so far
Turning this vision into reality required support in gathering materials and funds. We reached out to volunteers and supporters, and the response was overwhelming! Their generosity, both in donations and hands-on labour, enabled us to realise this dream.
A variety of materials were collected, including garden pots, paint, spray paint, rocks, plants, old rubber tyres, pallets, paving bricks, stepping stones and poles, among many other contributions. Monetary donations helped fund the execution of the project.
With this incredible support, we began revitalising the obstacle course, which required care and attention. In October 2023, the Helping Hands group was established, and the project was officially underway!
Milestones achieved
Phase 1: Initial construction
- Painting of pots and tyres
- Construction of benches from pallets
- Laying down tyres to prevent soil erosion from the embankment
Phase 2: Landscaping and final touches (2024)
- Planting dog-friendly plants
- Installing an irrigation system
- Laying the sensory pathway and paving (funded by a generous legacy donation)
- Enhancing the garden into a lush, peaceful and inviting space
Obstacle course upgrades by Puppy Raisers
- Sanding and repainting steel equipment frames (door frame, A-frame walkway, circle loop frame, wobble platforms, doggy wash, seesaw, stairs and various platforms)
- Laying new cement slabs under key obstacles
- Constructing a retaining wall to prevent erosion
- Upgrading the dog wash into a bright and engaging feature
- Adding new obstacles and moving existing ones
- Planting donated trees and grass to enhance the environment
A heartfelt thank you
The Puppy Raising department extends its deepest gratitude to all volunteers and supporters who contributed to this incredible project. Your passion and dedication have made it possible to implement this vision, ensuring that future Assistance Dogs receive the best possible training foundation.
We look forward to utilising these new and improved spaces to equip our dogs with the skills they need to thrive in their vital roles. Thanks to your generosity, we are one step closer to changing lives – one paw at a time!
If you would like to get involved in the many initiatives that assist us in training future Assistance Dogs, please visit our website (hyperlink https://guidedog.org.za/volunteer/) for more information or contact us at info@guidedog.org.za or on 011 705 3512.
Written by Alida Pansegrouw, Puppy Raising Supervisor