Support Us - Puppy Raising

Guide Dog Puppy Raisers care for our very special Guide Dog Puppies from 8 weeks of age. As a puppy raiser you will need to spend time socialising the puppy in a variety of different environments that the puppy may encounter as a working guide dog.

Teaching the puppy good manners so they are well behaved and obedient is an important part of what you will need to do to as a puppy raiser to help Guide Dogs SA prepare the puppy for more extensive guide dog training This is a big task but you are not expected to do all this alone.

Guide Dogs SA staff support you through every step of the puppy's development. We meet you each fortnight at a time that is suitable for both you and our Guide Dog Trainer. These visits will assist you and provide you with the training and guidance you need to enjoy your role as a puppy raiser.

Once the guide dog puppy reaches 12 - 14 months of age it is returned to Guide Dogs SA where it is assessed for guide dog training. If the guide dog puppy successfully passes the assessment, intensive guide dog training commences and continues for the next 6 months. At the completion of training the fully trained guide dog is matched with a person who is blind or vision impaired and becomes their special companion for the next 7 - 10 years.

Our volunteer Puppy Raisers play a key role in assisting the Guide Dogs Association of SA & NT to prepare our puppies for Guide Dog Training.

You can apply to become a Puppy Raiser if:

• You live in the Adelaide Metropolitan Area.
• You are prepared to have a puppy in your home for 12-14 months.
• You have a secure fenced backyard, fenced separately from front.
• You do not work full time: - Puppies are not to be left without human company for longer than four hours.
• Children in the home are of school age.
• You are prepared to spend the time socialising the puppy in a variety of environments: This is a bit like a full time job.

As a Volunteer puppy raiser Guide Dogs will supply;

• Veterinary care
• 24 hour emergency support
• All equipment and medication
• Food

All you have to supply is:

• Secure, safe environment
• Time to socialise and care for the pup
• Regular feeding
• An area to sleep inside that is warm, dry and draught free.

If you would like to apply to become a Puppy Raiser contact:

Guide Dogs SA, 251 Morphett Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Telephone: 8203 8333 - Fax: 8203 8332
Email: cburgess@guidedogs.org.au