At Cal Poly, some students are taking “learn by doing” beyond the classroom by helping raise future guide dogs through the student organization Poly Pups.
Founded in 2017, the club partners with Guide Dogs for the Blind to socialize and train puppies before they move on to formal guide dog instruction. Members help expose puppies to busy campus environments, everyday distractions and basic obedience training designed to build confidence and stability.
Students participate in different roles, including puppy raisers, sitters and general club members. Raisers take on the full-time responsibility of caring for a puppy, while sitters help support raisers when needed.
The organization also helps students gain hands-on experience working with service animals and understanding accessibility needs.
Reporter Parker Cinque went to learn more.