Alpha, a light-yellow Labrador Retriever born in January 2017, graduated from a guide dog training school in Guangzhou at the age of two. Since then, he has worked as a guide dog, faithfully accompanying Jacky for the past six years.
While most professional guide dogs today are Labradors, not every Labrador qualifies for the role. "In the early screening phase, dogs from bloodlines with a history of guide work will be prioritized," Jacky explains. "Besides, it's essential to assess each dog's temperament, preferences, and physical fitness to ensure they meet the required standards."
According to Jacky, a qualified Labrador begins its formal guide training at the age of one, following the successful completion of all preliminary evaluations. Only after mastering every required command is the dog considered ready to graduate.
Even so, when an applicant is matched with a guide dog, they must first undergo at least a month of compatibility training. Once paired, the guide dog is subject to routine medical examinations every three months at designated hospitals, covering bones, teeth, and eyes to ensure it remains fit for service.
"Matching with a guide dog is like a driver getting used to a new car," Jacky recalls. If a slow owner is paired with a hyperactive guide dog—or vice versa—the mismatch in pace could lead to safety risks while walking. Fortunately, both Jacky and Alpha are naturally easygoing and thus well-matched.
To Jacky, Alpha has an exceptionally calm temperament—able to fall asleep anywhere and never the jealous type, even around other dogs.
While on duty, Alpha wears a yellow vest marked "Guide Dog" and a specialized guiding harness strapped to his back. Jacky grips the harness with his left hand and walks forward under Alpha's lead.
As they walk, their pace must remain largely synchronized. When encountering obstacles or puddles, Alpha instinctively steers around them, leaving enough space for Jacky to pass safely alongside.
"Don't be fooled by how inseparable we are now. When I first started going out with Alpha, I'd sometimes forget him in the office after work."
Alpha is now eight years old, just two years from the mandatory retirement age for guide dogs. Upon retirement, these retired dogs typically have two options: staying with their original handler as a family pet or being rehomed with an adoptive family.
When it comes to this question, Jacky has no hesitation: "Alpha is not just a guide dog, he's my family as well. After retirement, he'll stay with me at home. He won't have to guide anymore and will finally have more time to run free and play free."
(Reporters: Shuai Cheng, Ella Qu; Camerapeople: Shuai Cheng; Film Editor: Yuge; Translator: Zheng Xiaoyi; English Editor: Darius; Executive Producer: Tracy)
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