The SA Guide Dogs Association is on the lookout for Puppy Raisers to help raise their prospective guide dogs
Make a difference, join the SA Guide-Dogs and become a Puppy Raiser to help raise future assistance dogs.
The SA Guide Dogs Association’s Volunteer Puppy Raising Programme invites anyone with a love for animals and hoping to help impact the lives of individuals who are visually impaired, physically disabled, or children on the Autism Spectrum across South Africa, to please volunteer to raise a guide dog puppy.
Read more: SA Guide-Dogs is looking for puppy raising volunteers
Their vision is to create a society where every individual with visual and physical disabilities can enjoy the freedom and independence they deserve. By becoming a Puppy Raiser, you can play a pivotal role in making that vision a reality.
The Programme offers volunteers a unique opportunity to contribute to their community while cultivating a loving and well-trained service dog.
“The Puppy Raising Programme is a volunteer initiative where individuals receive a puppy from the association at just 8 weeks of age. Volunteers, known as Puppy Raisers, will care for the puppy until it reaches approximately 16 months old.
“During this time, Puppy Raisers participate in weekly training sessions at the association’s facilities, as well as various public spaces, under the guidance of a Puppy Raising Supervisor,” explained Nicol Barro, the marketing co-ordinator from SA Guide-Dogs.
Barro further explains that training classes, typically lasting about an hour, cover essential skills to help the puppy grow into a capable guide or service dog. Participation in additional classes may also be required as puppies progress through their training.
Also read: Puppy raisers find joy in raising puppies that change lives
Once the puppy reaches 16 months, it returns to the association for formal training. During this phase, Puppy Raisers can still enjoy their companionship on weekends and holidays, as all dogs in formal training spend these times at home.
The final stage involves matching the trained dog with its new owner, allowing them to bond and train together over a period of two to three weeks. This pivotal moment sets the stage for a lifelong journey of freedom and independence for both the dog and its new handler.
As a Puppy Raiser, you will receive the following resources and support:
• A branded puppy pack that includes essential items to start your journey, such as: collar, lead, jacket, chew toy, treat bag, and a blanket.
• Vaccinations, deworming, and tick and flea protection throughout the puppy’s care
• Coverage of all food and veterinary bills.
• Access to a dedicated Puppy Raising Supervisor from each litter, guiding training and behavioral challenges.
• Assistance in finding a temporary home for the puppy if you go on holiday.
To qualify as a Puppy Raiser, you must meet the following criteria:
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a passion for animals and be a responsible dog lover.
• Display a calm and patient demeanor.
• Maintain physical fitness to care for an active puppy.
• Have flexible hours, which can still accommodate a full-time job.
• Be available for weekly training sessions (a 21-week commitment) during office hours.
• Participate in monthly to bi-monthly outings with the puppy and other raisers during weekdays or weekends when possible.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and personal transportation.
• Be prepared to commit to up to 16 months with the puppy.
To become a Puppy Raiser email AlidaP@guidedog.org.za, or for more information visit Guidedog.org.za.
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