Every year, hundreds of volunteers open their homes and hearts to raise puppies destined to become guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired. These volunteers, known as puppy raisers, play a vital role in shaping the future lives of these special dogs and the people they will help. If you love dogs and want to make a real difference, becoming a puppy raiser with Leader Dogs for the Blind is a rewarding way to do just that.
What Does It Mean to Raise a Future Leader Dog?
Raising a Future Leader Dog means welcoming a young puppy into your home for about 12 to 15 months. During this time, you teach the puppy basic manners and expose it to many different sights, sounds, and places. This early training helps the puppy grow into a confident and well-behaved dog ready to learn the skills needed to guide someone safely through their world.
You don’t need to have any special experience with dogs to become a puppy raiser. Leader Dogs for the Blind provides all the training and support you need along the way. You’ll be part of a community of volunteers who share advice, encouragement, and the joy of watching these puppies grow into amazing helpers.
Why Volunteer as a Puppy Raiser?
The impact of your work goes far beyond just raising a puppy. These dogs will one day become the eyes for someone who cannot see, giving them independence and confidence. For example, a puppy raised by a volunteer became Leader Dog Panger, who helped his partner Shannon feel safe and excited to explore her town again.
Volunteering as a puppy raiser also brings joy and companionship into your own life. You get to experience the fun and challenges of puppy training, knowing that your efforts will help change someone’s life forever. Many puppy raisers say it’s one of the most meaningful things they have ever done.
What Is Involved in Raising a Puppy?
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You bring the puppy home when it is about 8 weeks old.
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You teach the puppy basic commands like sit, stay, and come.
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You help the puppy get used to different environments such as stores, parks, and public transport.
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You attend regular training classes and get support from Leader Dog trainers.
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You care for the puppy’s health and well-being.
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After 12 to 15 months, you return the puppy to Leader Dogs for advanced training to become a guide dog.
You can raise a puppy on your own or share the responsibility with family or friends. Some workplaces and college campuses even raise puppies as a team. This flexibility makes it easier to fit puppy raising into your life.
Other Ways to Volunteer
Leader Dogs for the Blind also needs volunteers to host breeding dogs. These volunteers care for mom or dad dogs who help bring new puppies into the world. Mom dogs live with their hosts and have their puppies there for the first seven weeks before the puppies move on to puppy raisers. Hosting a breeding dog is a longer-term commitment, but it is another important way to support the program.
How to Get Started
If you’re interested in becoming a puppy raiser or want to learn more about volunteering with Leader Dogs for the Blind, they offer full training and ongoing support. You don’t need previous dog training experience, just a love for dogs and a willingness to help.
Contact Leader Dogs for the Blind
To start your journey as a volunteer puppy raiser or to ask questions, you can reach out to Stephen Moran at Leader Dogs for the Blind. Here’s how to get in touch:
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Email: stephen.moran@leaderdog.org
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Website: www.leaderdog.org
By volunteering, you become part of a team that changes lives, both the dogs’ and the people they will guide. If you want to make a difference and enjoy the company of a loving puppy, consider becoming a Future Leader Dog puppy raiser today.
Volunteering to raise a Future Leader Dog is more than just training a puppy. It’s about giving someone the gift of freedom and independence. It’s about being part of a caring community and making a lasting impact. If you have the time, space, and heart to help, Leader Dogs for the Blind welcomes you to join their volunteer family. Your puppy hero awaits!
Source: leaderdog.org
Header Image Source: Anna Dudkova on Unsplash
