On 12 January 2026, TYPSA welcomed a very special new colleague: Itxa, a puppy being trained as a future guide dog as part of the ONCE Foundation Guide Dog programme.
Since joining us, Itxa has been accompanying her trainer in the workplace as part of a crucial stage in her development: the socialisation process. During this period, the puppies must be exposed in a gradual and controlled manner to real-life situations (workplaces, interaction with people, noises and everyday routines) to acquire the confidence, stability and adaptability necessary for their future work.
Over the past few months, we have been able to observe her progress and learning close-up. Like any puppy, Itxa is at a stage of development where every experience is an opportunity to learn: from getting used to new environments to managing unfamiliar stimuli and situations. This process, which requires time, consistency and support, is key to laying the foundations for her future performance as a guide dog.
Itxa’s presence in our offices highlights the importance of collaboration on initiatives with a social impact. Training a guide dog is the result of a joint effort involving professionals, trainers and the environments that contribute to the dog’s socialisation, enabling the animal to develop the skills needed to improve the independence and quality of life of people with visual impairments.
For TYPSA, being part of this process represents an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to inclusion, social responsibility and the development of more accessible environments.
Every stage of learning helps to build the support systems that make a difference.
