This is a full-time and long-term role volunteering role, as our puppy would live with you in your home for at least a year. You will be providing a vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog!
You must be aged over 18 and be able to confidently handle the dog as its strength grows. You need suitable housing and must be able to give the time, commitment and love a puppy deserves.
Puppy Raisers (formerly called Puppy Walkers) play a vital role in the early socialisation and education of guide dogs. At about seven weeks of age, puppies start their early training, remaining with you until between 12-16 months of age. They then head off to a training centre to begin their specialised training.
You will need to care for, feed and train the puppy. This is very time consuming and - particularly when young - our puppies cannot be left on their own for more than three hours.
You will be expected to teach basic obedience commands and you will need a suitable outside area (ideally gravel or pavement) where the puppy can go to the toilet.
The puppy must be familiarised with different environments and you will be expected to introduce the puppy to different people, sounds and situations.
Great communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Experience with dogs is a great advantage
All day, every day for 12 - 16 months
Informative induction to Guide Dogs and the role
Access to a dedicated Puppy Development Advisor (formerly called a Puppy Training Supervisor)
Regular and continued support from us
Meet new people
Improve your fitness
Companionship of a dog
Learning more about dog development and behaviour
Having the satisfaction of knowing you are part of the process of seeing a tiny pup develop into a life changing Guide Dog
