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Training a dog to become a guide for the visually impaired takes time and patience.

Before any are considered for training they must spend their first year with a puppy walker.

This is generally an ordinary family that looks after the puppy and allows it to get used to the world.

BBC Nottingham's Peter Snow is finding out just what it takes to produce a fully trained guide dog.

Training - Part I

In his first report he's been to the Nottinghamshire training centre for the Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Training - Part II

A young Jackson

Peter's second report follows the exploits of Jackson, the labrador puppy and his puppy walker Angie Jackson from Eastwood.

Training - Part III

Two months later, in December 2007, and Jackson has grown considerably. Now it's time to see how he copes with a trip on the Nottingham tram.

Training - Part IV

July 2008 and the training goes on. Although he looks like a fully grown dog now he is still really a puppy and three times a week he gets together with other trainee guide dogs and has some free time.

Training - Part V

Jackson was one in August. It's now October and the time has come for volunteer puppy walker, Angie, to say goodbye. Jackson is now ready for advanced training.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association says it has a shortage of volunteers to be puppy walkers. Find out how you can help.