Watch puppies react to sting rays, sharks, more at Australia aquarium

USA Today

2 days ago

A group of future guide dogs in Australia enjoyed a day out at the aquarium as part of their training process.
Video footage shows the 9-week-old pups named Bruce, Betsy, Bronte and Barkley visiting the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium in Australia and observing the marine life there. The pups, managed by Petbarn, Australia's largest integrated pet care provider, visited the aquarium as part of their training as future seeing eye dogs for Australians who are blind or have low vision.
Watch: Pups react to marine life at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
Petbarn Foundation Manager Janelle Miller told USA TODAY over email on Sunday, July 13, that the puppies "displayed a perfect balance of curiosity and composure" and "explored their environment with interest, observing marine life and investigating different textures while remaining attentive to their handlers.'
Which animals did they respond to the most?
While the pups observed the oceanarium in awe, they particularly reacted to "large marine life such as sting rays, sharks and turtles moving overhead with appropriate curiosity," Miller said.
"They also had a cute interaction with two of SEA LIFE Sydney's scuba divers who were cleaning the tank," she added.
Why did the pups visit the aquarium?
Bruce, Betsy, Bronte and Barkley are in the initial stages of their development to become Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs, according to Miller, who said the "complete training process takes approximately two years before they're matched with a client who is blind or has low vision."
Miller added the dogs' visit to the aquarium was part of the Petbarn Foundation's annual Seeing Eye Dog Appeal, which aims to raise awareness around the foundation's mission and funds to "train 22 Seeing Eye Dogs for Australians who are blind or have low vision."
The visit also provides "valuable exposure to unique sensory experiences that these puppies wouldn't encounter in everyday settings," Miller said, explaining the pups experience "different lighting conditions, reflective surfaces, unusual sounds, and varied floor textures" at the aquarium.
Puppies 'highly receptive' to new experiences at this age
Miller said the puppies' age "represents a critical developmental period" in their training.
"At this age, they're highly receptive to new experiences, which is essential for building the foundation for their future work as Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs," Miller said.
In their daily life, the puppies also enjoy obstacle courses and exploring new environments, all of which are essential components of their training, according to Miller.
Petbarn works with different dog breeds such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Lab/Golden crosses. The breeds are specifically chosen for "their intelligence, temperament, and physical attributes that make them well-suited for training," Miller said.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [e-mail] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.