Puppy Raising
As some of our most passionate and dedicated volunteers, puppy raisers provide the loving homes that care for the Guide Dog Foundation puppies until they are old enough to enter the certified training programs. Puppy raisers devote approximately a year of their time to raising a future guide dog. You would receive the puppy as early as 8 weeks old, but you can request an older puppy if you would like. The puppy would return to the Guide Dog Foundation for formal training once the pup reaches between 14-16 months of age where he or she will learn the important skills to be a life changing service or guide dog.
OBJECTIVES
The 4 main objectives of puppy raising are socialization, good house manners, relieving routine and ensuring success. A minimum of five outings a week are required during this time, and all raisers must attend at least two GDF approved training sessions each month.
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SUPPLIED EQUIPMENT​
The Guide Dog Foundation supplies puppy raisers with most of the equipment needed. This includes:
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A crate
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Leashes (one leather leash and one puppy leash)
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Collars (one puppy collar and one adult collar)
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Heartworm Prevention
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Flea & Tick Prevention
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A tie-down
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Vests
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A bowl
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Ear Cleaner
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One approved chew toy
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A small bag of food
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Vet bills are covered by the foundation. Food and any other equipment must be purchased by the raiser.
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HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Start by filling out an application. Just make sure to select the box that says puppy raiser! Not sure that you can commit to raising a puppy full time? Check out the pages on co-raising and puppy camping to see if those are better options for you!
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