Seeing Eye Dogs Show, by Vision Australia Radio

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dogs Community Engagement Officer and handler Nadia Mattiazzo. We talk about International Women's Day, women in leadership and Nadia's new role as chairperson at Dog Guide Handlers Australia (DGHA). Nadia has been in many leadership roles including CEO at her last workplace and shares some tips for women wanting to get involved in work, leadership or volunteering.

We also discuss DGHA and their mission in promoting the interests of dog guide handlers from all dog guide schools across Australia. If you'd like...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by two guests.

Training dog carer volunteer Karen Anderson joins us to talk about looking after Desmond during his formal training. Karen is a training dog carer who lives in the Mornington Peninsula region where trainers pick the dogs up each training day and the carer looks after the dog and provides rest and love on weeknights and weekends. Karen is also a puppy and breeder carer and Kindergarten teacher who's joined us to talk about raising pups in kindy, you can stream that interview...

On this episode we chat with Seeing Eye Dogs puppy carer David Micallef about his life working at RMIT University and caring for SED puppy Sarge. Dave has been a puppy carer since 2021 and has been bringing puppies along in his busy life working on campus, living in the city and being out and about including at some exciting comedy gigs. Hear how the pups settle into life on campus and the positive impact their presence makes on staff and students.

Thanks Dave for your amazing work with these pups!

If you'd like to find...

Harriet is joined by blind couple Damo & Marion McMorrow and their Seeing Eye Dogs. Damo is partnered with SED Jenna and is married to Marion (née Marion Chapman) who is partnered with SED Taurus. In this interview, we hear their love story and find out how they built a special bond with the help of their Seeing Eye Dogs. We chat about how the couple works with a dog each and how the dogs get on together. Damo & Marion with their dogs love travelling and adventure so we talk about how they enjoy camping together and visiting new c...

Meet Hepburn Shire mayor and Seeing Eye Dogs handler Tony Clark and his Seeing Eye Dog Timmy. Tony is a busy man with lots of jobs and responsibilities, he's also blind and uses a Seeing Eye Dog. He talks to us about his career, work and partnership with Timmy, and the strengths and experience people who are blind or have low vision can bring to leadership or politics. Facing different barriers and misconceptions has taught Tony resilience and problem solving skills he brings to his various roles, and he encourages other people with disabilities to give it a go...

Seeing Eye Dogs Training Program Manager and instructor Kylie Gersh joins us to share some tips and talk about working dogs in warmer weather. We've got some tip specifically geared to dog guide handlers, and many that can benefit all dog handlers, owners and carer. Keep safe and cool!

If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dogs handler Phoebe to talk about her life and partnership with Seeing Eye Dog Angie. Phoebe is a graduate of our Youth Program and attended and graduated high school with Angie by her side, she's also a wonderful volunteer at Seeing Eye Dogs so Phoebe gives us a bit of behind the scenes into her work on site at Seeing Eye Dogs kennels and puppy block.

If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/

If you're blind or h...

Seeing Eye Dogs handler Sally Cutter joins us to talk about her life and story with Seeing Eye Dog Esther. Sally lives in Darwin and is a Senior Meteorologist. She also is a Scottish dancer, plays the double bass and loves going on outdoor adventures with her Seeing Eye Dog Esther.

If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/

If you're blind or have low vision and are interested in becoming a handler or applying for a Seeing Eye Dog, please email us at in...

Seeing Eye Dogs puppy carer Emma Young joins Harriet to talk about her experiences as a first time carer. Emma is raising Ulyssa with the help of her mum and partner. She works full-time at the Victorian Fisheries Authority and brings Ulyssa to work. We discuss puppy caring and working full-time and how a supportive workplace and preparation can help teach puppy essential workplace skills.

We're so thankful for our wonderful puppy carers like Emma for providing essential guidance and love to puppies to help them become Seeing Eye Dogs. We're looking for puppy carers now in...

Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dog handler Perle Peel. Perle is a graduate of our Youth Program and was matched with Seeing Eye Dog Jetta in 2024. The two also graduated high school together! We're going to talk about Perle's time in the Youth Program, her partnership with Jetta and their story.

Navigating My Path program is open to people who are blind or have low vision who'd like to learn more about dog guide mobility. It gives adults the opportunity to learn about life with a Seeing Eye Dog and experience working with one. Reach out...

Harriet is joined by very special guest, Ken Ramirez, to talk about science-based positive reinforcement and training. Ken is Executive Vice-President and Chief Training Officer of Karen Pryor Clicker Training (KPCT) and began his career training guide dogs in the US. He has spent over 50 years working with all different kinds of animals and people, promoting positive reinforcement training. He recently joined our team for a workshop for their professional development. Thanks Ken for sharing your knowledge and experience with us!

If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://s...

On this episode of the show Harriet is joined by two guests:

Puppy Development Trainer Abi Howes joins us to talk about social behaviour like calm greeting manners, appropriate interactions, and how to manage some of those tricky behaviours like jumping at guests and over-excited door greetings.

Puppy Development Trainer Paige Don joins us to talk about welcoming a new/temporary puppy or dog into this house. At this time of the year with people doing dog-sitting, fostering, or our wonderful carers taking on a relief care (foster) extra pup, these are some tips to...

On this episode of the show, Harriet is joined by handler Sam Byrne to talk about his life, story, and partnership with SED Tommy. Sam works in the city in finance, is a keen player of Goalball and enjoys walks around lake with Tommy.

If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/

If you're blind or have low vision and are interested in becoming a handler or applying for a Seeing Eye Dog, please email us at info@sed.org.au or call on 1800 037 773 to...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dogs Senior Instructor Brooke Anderson. Brooke is going to talk to us about the exciting new Navigating My Path program which will help inform and prepare potential handlers about all things dog guide mobility. This program brings a taste of life with a Seeing Eye Dog to our clients over 18 and comes after the success of the Youth Program. We also talk generally about eligibility for a Seeing Eye Dog.

Navigating My Path program is open to people who are blind or...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dogs puppy and relief care volunteer and Vision Australia volunteer Steven Kroger. Steve is retired and has volunteered for Vision Australia and Seeing Eye Dogs since 2018. Steve keeps himself busy reviewing parmiganas, supporting clients, attending theatres and music events, and raising puppies. Keep streaming to hear about Steve's story as a volunteer and life with Seeing Eye Dogs pups.

If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/

We are l...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by two guests.

Breeder and puppy carer Kris Cantwell joins us to talk about her life with Omari and Omari's breeding career and retirement. Kris is a retired teacher, grandmother and an experienced puppy carer who raised, breeder cared for and now adopted Omari. If you've ever wondered about the life of our breeding dogs, or what happens to them in retirement- this interview has you covered.

Dr Ashe Mooney from the Seeing Eye Dogs vet team joins us to talk about foods...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by newly qualified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI) Shi Lin Tan from Guide Dogs Singapore and Senior Seeing Eye Dog Instructor Justin Marshall. Shi Lin completed her GDMI traineeship at Seeing Eye Dogs under the guidance of SED instructors Mikaela, Luca, and Justin and reflects upon her time and some of the learnings with our team in this interview. We also chat about the role and how instructors support client and dog teams. Having graduated from her traineeship, Shi Lin has now returned to Singapore where she'll...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by puppy development trainer Abi Howes. We're going to talk about some of the challenges of the season, preparing your dog or puppy and supporting them through this spooky season including strange and potentially scary decorations, tricky costumes for trick or treaters and unsafe temptations for dogs.

If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/

For other training tips from Abi and our expert staff: https://omny.fm/shows/seeing-eye-dogs-show/playlists/training-tips 

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dogs Dog Wellbeing and Adoptions Manager Kat Kakafikas. We're going to talk about the process for adopting a released dog, and how Seeing Eye Dogs works to match our career-changed dogs to the right forever family from writing an adoption profile for the dog, shortlisting candidates and adoptions meetings.

If you'd like to find out more about released dog adoptions or find the dogs up for adoptions currently, head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/about-our-dogs/released-dogs/adopt

If...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by Perth-based Seeing Eye Dogs Instructor Matt Wood. We're going to chat about Matt's background, his story and how he works with and supports clients across Western Australia. He'll also share tips for clients working with him and navigating life with a dog guide.

If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/

If you're blind or have low vision and are interested in becoming a handler or applying for a Seeing Eye D...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dogs handler Colleen Ashby who will talk about her life, story and partnership with Seeing Eye Dog Inca. Colleen has been on this show before, talking about her book I Can See Clearly Now, her transplant games athletic journey and her partnership with her previous SED Xian. Colleen has a new Seeing Eye Dog Inca now so we're going to chat about retiring Xian, transitioning to a new dog and all that comes with that.

If you'd like to listen to the...

On this Father's Day special of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dogs handler and dad Mitch Barri who will talk about his life, story and partnership with Seeing Eye Dog. Mitch is a man, dad of 2, and first-time handler. Happy Father's Day to all of the dads and wonderful father figures in our community!

If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/

If you're blind or have low vision and are interested in becoming a handler or applying f...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by two guests.

The first interview is with breeder carer Mena Wang joining us to chat about the life of breeding dog Caspar. We’re chat about her and her family’s life raising and looking after breeding dogs and puppies.

Then we have have Vision Australia NDIS & Aged Care Funding Specialist Lead and dog guide handler Caitlin McMorrow joining us to talk about Vision Australia’s campaign for the Queensland Taxi Subsidy Scheme and extending that to rideshare. For information about Vision Austra...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by training program manager and qualified GDMI Kylie Gersh who gives us a behind the scenes into how the training team turns 12-15 month old puppies into fully trained Seeing Eye Dogs. Kylie talks us through the process of how they teach guiding skills and how dogs are prepared for their lives working with their handlers.

To learn how dogs are chosen to begin training, listen to this interview with Kylie about the In For Training assessments: https://omny.fm/shows/seeing-eye-dogs-show/selecting-suitable-seeing-eye-dog-candidates-with

...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dog handler Cassandra Chiu and senior instructor Justin Marshall for part 2 of our interview about the life of the team, the unique and challenging environment for a SED team, access in Singapore and about how an instructor works with a SED team through client training and beyond. Part one is available on https://omny.fm/shows/seeing-eye-dogs-show or your preferred podcast platform.

We also have a repeat of an interview with puppy development trainer Abi Howes talking about grooming your dog and w...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dog handler Cassandra Chiu with Seeing Eye Dog Mandy and senior instructor Justin Marshall. We're going to talk about the life of the team, the unique and challenging environment for a SED team, access in Singapore and about how an instructor works with a SED team through client training and beyond.

We had a lot to cover, so this is part one and there'll be a bit more of this interview available next week on https://omny.fm/shows/seeing-eye-dogs-show or your...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by two guests.

First, we have Carleen Miller, Aboriginal Engagement and Project Coordinator at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, who is going to talk about the puppies she’s named in celebration of NAIDOC week in the Taungurung Language of her ancestors. We talk about the importance of NAIDOC week, language revitalisation and how recognising Language and culture can help close the gap in healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

If you'd like to learn more about NAIDOC week head to...

On this episode, Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dogs handler Nadia Mattiazzo to talk about the upcoming workshop for dog guide handlers Living With Your Ageing Seeing Eye Dog: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/news/ageing-workshop-2025. The workshop will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, 10am – 5pm AEST. You can attend the workshop online over Teams Webinar or in person at: Seeing Eye Dogs HQ Kensington, VIC, Vision Australia Coorparoo, QLD, Vision Australia Caringbah, NSW, and Vision Australia West Leederville, WA. It's open to all handlers and free to attend, but registration is required. Register today to secure your spot, in...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by two guests.

We're joined by Puppy Development Trainer Abi Howes to talk about recall, how to train and effective recall and why it's so important. These are great tips which will help you train and maintain a recall which will keep you and your puppy or dog happy and safe.

Then we're going to play part of a repeat of an interview with Puppy Development Trainer Paige Don  to chat free running with some great tips about keeping pups’ and dogs’ social time...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dogs handler Annette Ferguson. Annette chats to us about her life, new partnership with Scotty, working as a graphic designer with low vision, and being part of the community of dog guide handlers in Australia.

If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/

If you're blind or have low vision and are interested in becoming a handler or applying for a Seeing Eye Dog, please email us at info@se...

Training program manager Kylie Gersh joins Harriet to talk about dog distraction and managing your Seeing Eye Dog or dog guide around other dogs. We then play part of the interview with Kylie about solving problem behaviours.

If you're blind or have low vision and are interested in becoming a handler or applying for a Seeing Eye Dog, please email us at info@sed.org.au or call on 1800 037 773 to discuss dog guide mobility, eligibility or assessment.

If you're a dog guide handler, don't forget to register for our upcoming workshop Living With Your Ageing Se...

Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dog handler Dr Katie Butler to talk about her life, story and partnership with Seeing Eye Dog Quinnie. We talk about Katie's PhD and research in diversity, equity and inclusion and work as an academic in the field of DEI and accessing study for people with disabilities. Katie shares about life with her Seeing Eye Dog, and journey as a handler paired with dogs at different stages of her life.

Quinnie is Dr Katie's first dog guide from Seeing Eye Dogs and she talks about the support from the team. If...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show Harriet is joined by two guests.

Liv Butcher, Seeing Eye Dogs Volunteer Partnership Coordinator and puppy carer, joins us talking about the impact of our volunteers, what they do for Seeing Eye Dogs and the variety of roles where volunteers make a difference.

Kylie Gersh, Training Program Manager, joins us to talk about the lives of training dogs, what they get up to when they're not training and about the role of Training Dog Carers. Seeing Eye Dogs is looking for training dog carers who live...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by puppy carer Catherine Bentley to talk about her life and story as a busy working mum and experienced puppy carer. We discuss raising puppies working on a university campus, what's to love about this volunteering role and what a Seeing Eye Dogs puppy learns from attending lots of busy kids' sporting commitments. Volunteers help prepare puppies for working roles as Seeing Eye Dogs, so here's some behind the scenes of how our puppies gain essential skills in their first year thanks to our amazing carers like...

On the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, for our Mother's Day special we shine a spotlight on breeding dog "Lucy" and her life with her breeder carer Sharon.

Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dogs volunteer Sharon De Souza who shares her story of 10+ years of volunteering and talks about her volunteering as a breeder carer for Lucy and puppy carer for many puppies including two of Lucy's daughters Debbie and Freya.

If you've ever wondered about the life of a breeding dog and breeder carer, stay tuned!

We’re looking for more breeder ca...

In part two of our International Guide Dogs Day special, Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dogs client service manager Lester Chraim. We talk about the history of our organisation over the last 65 years of Seeing Eye Dogs and our origins, recent achievements and highlights, client surveys and feedback and our upcoming workshop developed from the client survey.

To read more about our 65th anniversary celebrations head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/news/seeing-eye-dogs-65th

To find out about our workshop Living with your ageing Seeing Eye Dog that will take place on...

In part one of our International Guide Dogs Day special, Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dogs handler Kate Watkins. Kate has been a handler for over 50 years sharing her life with Seeing Eye Dogs across many life stages from a teenager to now. We talk about some of the changes she's seen, how different dogs have suited each life stage, and about life with her current Seeing Eye Dog Kramer.

If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/

If you're blind or have l...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by two guests.

Puppy carer Maria from Geelong joins us to talk about her life, story, and role as a puppy carer. Maria is a first-time puppy carer of Pharaoh and enjoys the social and community aspects of the role.

Then, we have a repeat abridged version of the Harriet's interview with Seeing Eye Dog handler and SED Youth Program graduate Phoebe talking about her experiences on the youth program and how the program prepares young people to become handlers, and her life...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by Puppy Development Trainer Steph Shaw to talk about managing excitability and promoting calm behaviour in our dogs and puppies. We talk about what excitability means in different ages and how to recognise when our dogs might need a little cool down with some tips on how to do that.

If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/

We are looking for puppy carers now so if you're keen to raise a p...

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show I'm joined by two guests.

First, Vision Australia's National Access Technology Manager and Seeing Eye Dogs handler Damo McMorrow joins us to talk about Access Technology options that can help handlers working with dog guides and to chat about his partnership with Jenna. This is part 2 of this interview, part 1 is here: https://omny.fm/shows/seeing-eye-dogs-show/damo-jenna-access-technology-part-1

If you’d like to speak to our Access Technology specialists you can email ATC.help@visionaustralia.org or ring the AT helpdesk 1300 84 74 66.

Then, Dr Ashe Mo...