Puppy Raiser - New Forest area

You will be providing the puppy with a vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog, making a real difference to someone living with sight loss. Full training and continuous support given by the team.

This is a full-time volunteering role as the puppy will live with the volunteer. The usual time that the puppy is living with you is around 14-16 months. They then go onto the more formal training at a Guide Dog Office.

You will play a huge role in the social development of the puppy, guiding him or her through training, socialisation, introduction of new environments and experiences, whilst providing a loving home. They are young puppies when they first arrive so all the usual toilet training, chewing etc does occur; but if you can cope with that it is such a rewarding role. 

Skills

What does the role involve?

• Feeding, training and generally caring for a puppy's needs on a daily basis is time consuming and, particularly when very young, they cannot be left on their own for very long.
• You will develop and care for a puppy as directed by your Volunteer Manager. We use a programme called Puppy Raising for Excellent Partnerships (PREP) which is based on positive reinforcement. 
• You will familiarise the puppy with many different environments.
• Teaching basic obedience commands.
• Attend Puppy Classes where you will be supported with their training.

You will need access to a suitable area where the puppy could go to the toilet during the day, including first thing in the morning and last thing at night. As well as a safe and secure place for the puppy to sleep.