Teen becomes Britain’s youngest guide dog trainer at 19

Rowena will assist the pup study the fundamentals (Image: Wales Information Service)

A 19-year-old has taken in a 13-week-old black Labrador pet, who's a information canine in coaching – making the teenager the youngest canine coach in Britain.

Animal-lover Rowena Smith volunteered to take care of the pup, known as Lilly, with the assistance of her mum Sheelagh Kerry.

They may have the canine for a yr, and assist practice her up for a life as a information canine for the blind.

Rowena will educate Lilly fundamental instructions and directions earlier than the pup is given again to the Information Canine for the Blind Affiliation, and might ultimately be paired with an proprietor.

Rowena stated: ‘We volunteered collectively in order that we may do that as a group.

‘After I’m out, mum or dad shall be at dwelling, so it provides us extra flexibility to take care of a pet.’

‘Rowena gave Lilly loads of reassurance and breaks to smell round’ (Image: Wales Information Service)

Rachel Lord, Information Canine’ pet improvement advisor, stated certainly one of Rowena and Lilly’s first coaching workouts was popping down the retailers – which the duo excelled at.

She stated: ‘She walked to an ideal unfastened lead and had enjoyable experiencing a brand new place.

‘Rowena gave Lilly loads of reassurance and breaks to smell round, and Lilly’s glad little waggy tail informed us she was fairly snug with all of it.’

Earth angel (Image: Wales Information Service)

Rowena, of Abergavenny, South Wales, says Lilly loves spending time on the household’s small-holding – with their chickens and 20 sheep.

She stated: ‘Lilly is fairly good round them. The chickens are dog-savvy and can go on the assault, so that you’ve bought to be cautious of them, not the opposite means spherical.

‘Lilly loves to look at my mom feed the sheep.

‘My buddies weren't shocked that I volunteered, as a result of I’m all the time doing stuff with canines. They're impressed and assume it’s a extremely good factor.

‘Some say will probably be exhausting handy her again when it’s time for her to enter additional coaching, however I believe will probably be OK. You understand from the beginning that you simply’re not holding her.

‘I’ve been to Finland working with sled canines and huskies, and I plan to return this winter.

‘My mom will take care of Lilly once I’m away, which is one other good purpose to use collectively or as a household.’