Since the Charity started placing dogs in 2013, we have created 32 working partnerships which includes 9 successor dogs, 5 compassionate pet placements, 1 Reservist dog and 2 Demonstration dogs.

All of our dogs have names that are linked either to the HM Armed Forces or the Emergency Services. Meet all of our current dogs in training below, and find out the meaning behind their names.

Volunteer as a puppy parent


 

  • Black Labrador sat on a rug in an assistance dog jacket.
    Comet
    Training stage: 8 weeks to 6 months

    Comet is a black Labrador, he is named after a British tank.  Our littlest cadet so far but makes up for it in personality. Comet is enjoying going out to meet the Puppy Parent’s friends, he is doing brilliantly at his Puppy Class at our Portsmouth Puppy Hub. Comet really likes training and learning about the world around him, he is growing in confidence with each new experience. 

  • Yellow Labrador puppy sat on a rug in an assistant dog jacket.
    Astra
    Training stage: 7-14 months

    Astra is a yellow Labrador, her name is taken from the RAF motto which means "through adversity to the stars", it is also the name given to the campaign to build the next generation RAF. She is a gorgeous girl who is very curious about the world, her breeder nicknamed her 'Dora' as she was always exploring. Astra has been doing really well with her very speedy recall and enjoys going out to a cafe with her Puppy Parent and friends. 

  • Black Labrador sat on a rug in an assistance dog jacket.
    Biggles
    Training stage: 7-14 months

    Biggles is a black Labrador, he is named after the fictional character, created by author W E Johns, his books are based on his own experiences as an RAF pilot in the First World War. He is a very handsome pup who takes everything in his stride and is enjoying lots of outings with his Puppy Parents. Biggles is doing really well at his training too and very much enjoys practising his new skills with his human foster brother.   

  • Golden Retriever sat on a rug in an assistance dog jacket.
    Bobby
    Training stage: 7-14 months

    Bobby is a Golden Retriever, he is named after Sir Robert Peel who, as Home Secretary, set up the Metropolitan Police Force in 1828. Bobby is loving life with his Puppy Parents and family and has been doing some fantastic loose lead walking training. 

     

  • Golden Retriever puppy sat on a rug wearing an assistance dog jacket.
    Chelsea
    Training stage: 7-14 months

    Chelsea is a Golden Retriever. Chelsea is named after the Chelsea Pensioners, the veterans of the British Army who are residents of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Chelsea enjoys coming to her weekly class to see her puppy friends and loves a fuss from the other puppy parents. She is doing really well with learning all of her basic skills. Chelsea has enjoys doing some training on the school run especially as the reward is going to pick up her human foster brother. 

  • Golden Retriever sat on a rug in an assistance dog jacket.
    Honour
    Training stage: 7-14 months

    Honour is a Golden Retriever. Honour not only means to hold in high respect and great esteem but is also something felt by all our armed forces and emergency service personnel in their line of duty. Honour is loving life with her Puppy Parent and family and has settled in her home really well.

  • Golden Retriever puppy
    Vanguard
    Training stage: 7-14 months

    Vanguard is a Golden Retriever, his name is taken from the term used to denote leading the way or being at the head of the troop. Vanguard is a cheeky chap. He absolutely loves meeting his friends in puppy class. It also seems Vanguard has become quite a fan of the sport on the television, his particular favourite was watching Wimbledon. 

  • Black Labrador sat on a rug in an assistance dog jacket.
    Warrior
    Training stage: 7-14 months

    Warrior is a black Labrador. He is named after the IOW born foal, "Warrior", who went to war on the Western Front with General Jack Seely, a great friend of Winston Churchill. 

    Our first boy of Squadron 14, Warrior is a gentle character who takes it all in his stride. He is quick to learn and loves to play, his favourite toy is his duck from his puppy parents. We are excited to see how Warrior progresses with his puppy training. 

  • Alice Headshot
    Alice
    Training stage: Advanced

    Alice is a Golden Retriever. Alice is named in honour of Alice Clark, a paramedic who died in the line of duty. Alice is very much a thinker and has become more confident over the last few months. Loves to have a cuddle. 

  • Cromwell headshot
    Cromwell
    Training stage: Advanced

    Cromwell, litter mate to Copper, is a spirited Black Labrador. Cromwell is named after the Cromwell Tank, not only one of the series of British cruiser tanks but also the fastest British tank to serve in the Second World War. 

  • Hercules headshot
    Hercules
    Training stage: Advanced

    Hercules is a Black Labrador. He's named after a type of military aircraft called a C-130 Hercules, which is primarily used for tactical transport. Hercules is just full of energy and loves nothing more than having a good hide and seek game in the park. 

  • Tilly Headshot
    Matilda (Tilly)
    Training stage: Advanced

    Tilly is a Golden Retriever, she is named after an Infantry Tank best known as the Matilda, which was a British infantry tank used in the Second World War. Tilly learns quickly and is very adaptable to different situations which is ideal for an assistance dog. 

     

  • Phoebe head shot
    Phoebe
    Training stage: Advanced

    Phoebe is a very hard working Black Labrador, named after HMS Phoebe of the Royal Navy . She loves nothing more than to be kept busy, and is always waiting for the next task. 

  • Recce Headshot
    Recce
    Training stage: Advanced

    Recce (short for 'Reconnaissance') is a Fox Red Labrador, he's named after the Reconnaissance Platoon. He is progressing through the ranks beautifully with the support and experience of his puppy parents and the Hounds for Heroes training team.

  • Titan Headshot
    Titan
    Training stage: Advanced

    Titan is a Black Labrador and is keen to learn and wants to get it right, he is loyal and adaptable. Titan was named prior to joining Hounds for Heroes by one of our long standing Puppy parents who sadly passed away. After discussions between the charity and her husband it was agreed that Titan joining Hounds was a fitting next step. We look forward to the legacy of our puppy parent continuing for years to come and our heartfelt thanks go to her family for their long-standing support of the charity. 

  • Fleur headshot
    Fleur
    Support role within the Charity
    Training stage: Reservist

    Fleur is named in honour of the first female firefighter to die on duty in peacetime Britain, Fleur Lombard. Fleur, like her name's sake is dedicated to her work. We are delighted to announce that Fleur has joined our small team of Reservist Dogs as a demo dog. She was successfully matched with an applicant however, due to a variety of reasons the placement did not work out. As she had some ongoing health conditions we decided to use her skills to promote the work of Hounds for Heroes.

  • Labrador laying down on the grass wearing an assistance dog jacket.
    Wren
    Support role within the Charity
    Training stage: Reservist

    Wren is named after the Womens Royal Naval Service. Wren came into advanced training in 2017 and initially did well and had natural motivation for task work. However, as training progressed, Wren’s sensitivities became more apparent and with the onset of an unexpected health issue, it was felt that Wren would be best suited to a role within our team of Reservist Dogs as a Demonstration Dog. Wren fulfils an important role for the charity during applicants days, open mornings and various fundraising events.