Guide dog and service dog puppies begin their journey at eight weeks old, placed with dedicated foster families and individuals known as “puppy raisers.” These raisers play a pivotal role in the puppy’s first year, teaching them essential house manners, basic obedience, and providing diverse experiences that build confidence. At any given time, organizations like Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC) have between 150-200 puppies in these nurturing homes.
Puppy raisers are the cornerstone of successful guide and service dog teams. They provide the initial love, foundational skills, and real-world exposure that allows these puppies to develop into confident and capable assistance animals. So, how do you become a guide dog puppy raiser? This guide will walk you through the process, requirements, and benefits.
Support System for Puppy Raisers
Organizations like GDA | TLC provide extensive support to their puppy raisers. This includes group cohorts for shared experiences, structured training with professional staff, behavioral support, and on-site veterinary care. The entire team is invested in each puppy’s success.
Essential Foundations for Puppy Raising
Due to the critical socialization period, puppies-in-training require consistent care and attention. Puppy raisers need to ensure the puppy isn’t left alone for extended periods, particularly in the initial stages. This often requires employer permission to bring the dog to work or a dedicated family member who can care for the puppy during the day. GDA | TLC welcomes puppy raisers from all backgrounds – families, couples, and singles. Suitable homes can be houses, condos, or apartments, and can include well-behaved resident pets.
Geographic Focus
Currently, GDA | TLC’s puppy-raising program primarily serves Southern California, with active groups in areas such as Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley, West LA, Ventura, Simi Valley, Pasadena, Glendora, Inland Empire, Long Beach, Torrance, Huntington Beach, Orange County, and multiple locations in San Diego. They are also expanding their puppy program in Southern Oregon.
The Rewards of Puppy Raising
While raising a guide or service dog puppy demands a significant commitment, it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience. The process of watching a puppy grow and develop into a confident and skilled assistance animal is fulfilling. Although saying goodbye when the puppy goes “off to college” for formal training can be emotional, many puppy raisers find the experience so meaningful that they choose to repeat it.
Core Requirements for Becoming a Puppy Raiser
To be considered as a puppy raiser, there are basic requirements that must be met:
- Proximity: Live within driving distance of a regional puppy group.
- Management: Possess the ability to safely manage and control a large-breed puppy/adolescent dog.
- Training Skills: Be capable of teaching basic obedience and proper house manners.
- Attendance: Commit to attending monthly training meetings.
- Travel: Be willing to travel to the GDA | TLC campus for veterinary care, kennel acclimation, and behavior evaluations.
- Financial Responsibility: Cover the costs of food, flea/tick preventatives, and one public obedience class.
Making a Difference
Becoming a guide dog puppy raiser is more than just raising a dog; it’s about changing lives. By providing a loving and supportive environment, you’re helping to create a future guide or service dog that will provide independence and companionship to someone in need. If you meet the requirements and are passionate about making a difference, consider applying to become a puppy raiser.
