Recently, the Guiding Paws Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Club embarked on an exciting adventure at Trap Pond State Park in Laurel, Delaware. Our day began with quick exploration of the park, followed by a refreshing ride on a pontoon boat, which provided an exceptional opportunity for our aspiring guide dogs to experience new sights, sounds, and smells. The park featured pine needles, sandy shores, paved paths and a floating dock.

This outing was not just about enjoying nature; it was a valuable exposure experience for the puppies. Being on the water allowed them to encounter various stimuli, such as the gentle motion of the pontoon and the vibrant sounds of wildlife, including cormorant and Canada geese, all of which are essential for their development. The variety of textures under foot help the dogs adapt for experiences later in life.

As our naturalist guide Will navigated the picturesque surroundings and shared facts about Trap Pond, the puppies learned how to stay calm and focused in a new environment, a vital skill for their future roles as guide dogs. The combination of fun and training made for an unforgettable day, reinforcing our commitment to raising confident and well-adjusted service animals.

Overall, the visit to Trap Pond State Park was a wonderful blend of recreation and education. We greatly appreciate the staff allowing us to attend and highly recommend the park. You can check out their website here.