The Croatian Association for Guide Dog Training and Mobility (www.psivodici.hr) is a Croatian charity that socialises and trains puppies that will become guide dogs, assistance dogs or therapy dogs for children and adults with physical and mental challenges. The work of Psi Vodici starts with the socialisation of puppies, which learn to live the way people do, so that they can easily fit into the lives of their future human companions.
Since November 2025, Psi Vodici, in collaboration with the humanitarian organisation "RTL Helps Children", has been raising funds to buy five puppies and train them to become assistance dogs for children with developmental disabilities, so that the children may more easily overcome challenges, obstacles and exercises in therapeutic activities with motivation.
Two puppies have already found socialisers. Paul Suchar and Oona Schreiner accepted puppy Lumi (three-month old white Labrador), seen on the photos and video. This is the fifth puppy that Paul and Oona are socialising. The first three have taken up their roles as assistance/therapy dogs (3rd doggy Bella is shown in the previous video with her new family) while the fourth one (chocolate Labrador Kaya) will soon begin training.
Watch how assistance dog Pepa has completely changed the life of Petar.
In March 2026, Psi Vodici will acquire 3 new puppies. Each puppy requires a socialiser (an individual/couple or a family or a retired person/couple). We ask you to kindly look at the stories and the videos presented here. If you or someone you know would be interested in becoming a socialiser for a puppy that will eventually help a disabled child, please contact Psi Vodici. It's a wonderful opportunity to make such a difference in the life of a child with mental or physical challenges.
PDF files:
- Article "Puppy socialisers" (ENG)
- Program socijalizacije (CRO)
Contacts: +385 (01) 4816-155 or udruga@psivodici.hr
