Raising a puppy for the SA Guide-Dogs Association is a great way to make a real change and impact in the lives of visually impaired, physically disabled and children on the autism spectrum in SA.
What is the Puppy Raising Programme?
It is a volunteer programme. You will receive from the association a puppy at eight weeks of age. It will stay with you until about 16 months old.
During this time, the puppy raiser will attend a training session once a week at SA Guide-Dogs Association premises and various public spaces. The class is about an hour long and is run by a puppy-raising supervisor. You might need to attend more classes when required.
Besides the formal training sessions, the puppy raiser is encouraged to take the puppy with them wherever they go as often as possible. There are restrictions applicable up to 16 weeks of age.
The puppy raiser will often be invited to join the marketing team at various fundraisers (malls, expos, markets, and more) to interact with and meet the public.
These events help to socialise the puppy, increasing its exposure to people, and exposing it to varying stimuli in various environments.
At about 16 months old, the pup returns to the association for formal training. During this time, the puppy raiser might continue to have the dog with them at home over weekends and holidays because all dogs in formal training go to homes over that time.
Once the formal training is complete, the dog is matched to its new person. During a class of two to three weeks, the dog and their owner, guide dog, service dog or autism support dog, train and bond as their journey of freedom and independence begins.
What is offered:
• A branded puppy pack with all the essentials the puppy needs to start its journey. Aside from the puppy, you will also receive a collar, lead, jacket, chew toy, treat bag, blanket, vaccinations, deworming and tick and flea protection throughout.
• All food and vet bills are covered.
• Each litter has a dedicated puppy-raising supervisor who helps you with any training or behaviour challenges you might have.
• If you go away on holiday, your supervisor will allocate a home for the puppy.
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Basic requirements to become a puppy raiser:
• Be 18 years and older;
• Be a responsible dog lover;
• Have a calm and patient temperament;
• Be physically fit and capable of caring for a puppy;
• Have flexible hours (you can still have a full-time job at the office);
• Be available to attend weekly training sessions on weekdays for 21 weeks during office hours;
• Be able to attend monthly to bi-monthly outings with the puppy and other puppy raisers during office hours on weekdays and/or weekends when applicable;
• Have your own transport and a valid driver’s license;
• Be able to commit up to 16 months with the puppy.
The Volunteer Puppy Raising Programme is for anyone who loves animals and is willing to learn new training skills and make a difference.
The SA Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind’s vision is to have a country where every person with visual and physical disabilities can experience freedom and independence.
Sign up to be a volunteer puppy raiser today and make a difference. Email AlidaP@guidedog.org.za or for more information, visit www.guidedog.org.za
