Service dogs in training visit Ybor fire station

YBOR CITY (FOX 13) - Some puppies took a field trip to a Tampa fire station, but this wasn't all fun and games. It was part of their training.

The dogs are being trained to become guide dogs through Southeastern Guide Dogs in Sarasota.

They are learning about new environments. Tuesday's visit was to Fire Station 4 in Ybor City.

The visits are designed to help them adapt to many different environments.

At the fire station, they got used to seeing firefighters in full gear, with masks and gloves and equipment. Plus, they were introduced to the sounds of fire trucks and sirens.

It's all part of their training to become service animals.

“So, we socialize them with all the stimuli and get them conditioned so they're not afraid, and they become thinking, cautious animals," puppy trainer Brian Keeth said.

The puppies live with a foster family for at least a year before they go to southeastern guide dogs to finish their training.