An ageing population and the introduction of therapy dogs has seen unprecedented demand for hard-working labradors.

Key points: Training a labrador to become a guide dog can take up to two years

Training a labrador to become a guide dog can take up to two years Dogs that may lack the confidence or independence to be a guide dog can be trained to be companion dogs

Dogs that may lack the confidence or independence to be a guide dog can be trained to be companion dogs Guide Dogs NSW/ACT says just one out of every four people who could benefit from a guide dog had one

Among the group of labrador puppies at yesterday's 'harness presentation' for older, graduating guide dogs in Wollongong, only half were expected to end up as a vital visual aid for someone with blindness.

The other half will help to meet the booming demand for therapy dogs in locations like court houses, hospitals, aged care facilities and family homes.

"Our Pets As Therapy program is for dogs that may lack the confidence or independence to be a guide dog," Guide Dogs NSW/ACT spokesman Eddie Sullivan said.

"They make great companion dogs and they can go as pets as therapy dogs for a family with a child with a disability, or we also have the court companion program now where pets go into the courts to help people who might be going through a tough time there."

That was in addition to the already existing demand for qualified guide dogs.

Mr Sullivan said his organisation's research found one out of every four people who could benefit from a guide dog had one, and Guide Dogs NSW/ACT was trying to develop their breeding program the meet the needs.

Demand was so high that applications for their Pets As Therapy program were closed due to the long wait list.

Kimberlee Brooker says her guide dog Toffee has significantly improved her quality of life. ( ABC Illawarra: Justin Huntsdale )

'I don't feel lonely at all'

Kimberlee Brooker said having Toffee, her guide dog, had made a big improvement to her life.

The friendly labrador has been by her side for more than four years.

"Before Toffee, I used a cane and I found it quite difficult," she said.

What can guide dogs do? Stop and indicate if at a road and cross when asked

Stop and indicate if at a road and cross when asked Navigate obstacles and leave enough clearance for the handler

Navigate obstacles and leave enough clearance for the handler Locate destinations such as seats and doors

Locate destinations such as seats and doors Stop and indicate at stairs or other trip hazards

Stop and indicate at stairs or other trip hazards Travel comfortably on public transport and through shopping centres

"It was extremely mentally straining using a cane and navigating around to different places.

"Now with Toffee, I can travel to places undependably and she went to university with me for four years."

Now in the workforce, her trusty guide dog joined her there too.

Toffee also provided her handler with sense of companionship.

"She sleeps next to me on her bed and she's extremely attached and stresses if I'm not there, so she's a great companion as well — I don't feel lonely at all having her around," Ms Brooker said.

Labrador puppies are raised for 12 months before entering the guide dog training program. ( ABC Illawarra: Justin Huntsdale )

Training guide dogs is a two-year process

By the time the dogs receive their official guide dog harness, they have completed between 18 months and two years of training.

They are monitored regularly and once they are 12 months old, the dogs undergo a strict training regime that teaches them skills like navigating obstacles, crossing safely at roads and finding chairs.

"Labradors lend themselves to training because they're adaptable and they enjoy learning," Mr Sullivan said.

"They love their food, so we use that to motivate them and teach them skills and we have good success with the labradors because they're nice, easy going dogs that are willing to please their handler and trainer.

"We like dogs that like to work but can also switch off, relax and rest and labs can do all those things."