Last year we were joined by wonderful Guide Dog puppies and their Puppy Raisers at some of our Pitstops. Guide Dogs is looking for puppy raisers in Dorset and have been in touch to tell us more.
You could provide a vital role in transforming a tiny, playful puppy into a life-changing companion for someone with sight loss. As a volunteer puppy raiser for Guide Dogs, you can nurture a young dog during its crucial early months, laying the foundation for its future as a guide dog.
These life-changers-to-be arrive at around eight weeks old and stay with their volunteer families until they are approximately 14-16 months.
During this time, they learn essential basic skills and, more importantly, gain invaluable socialisation, where the pup is exposed to different situations and experiences.
Could you offer this to a puppy in training? Puppy raisers introduce their charges to a wide variety of sights, sounds, and smells – from bustling cafes and busy shops to the hum of public transport. These everyday outings are critical for a future guide dog to learn how to remain steady and focused in a range of environments.
Elli Cavazza, Guide Dogs’ Puppy Development Advisor based in Dorset, said this early exposure is so important in shaping a confident and well-adjusted guide dog:
“Our Puppy Raisers do an amazing job helping our pups prepare for their future life as a guide dog. Being exposed to different situations and environments when they are small means they grow in confidence and can approach those environments with ease once in their working role.”
The role of a puppy raiser requires dedication, patience, and a genuine love for dogs. While there will undoubtedly be challenges – every puppy has their moments! – you won’t be on this journey alone. Guide Dogs provides comprehensive support, covering all essential costs and offering ongoing training and guidance.
“You’ll have a dedicated team behind you every step of the way to answer your questions and give you advice and support with your pup,” Elli added.
And while saying goodbye can be emotional, the knowledge that you have played such a fundamental part in enabling someone with visual impairment to live a more independent and fulfilling life is incredibly rewarding.
Volunteer Puppy Raiser Susan from Dorset said:
“The reason I volunteered as a puppy raiser was to make a difference but have discovered, in addition, that every morning brings new exciting challenges and every night a feeling of pride in what my puppy has achieved.”
Guide Dogs is looking for more volunteers to join their puppy raising scheme in Dorset. If you have the time to dedicate to the development and socialisation of a future guide dog, this could be the perfect volunteering role for you.
To learn more about becoming a Puppy Raiser and to apply, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/puppyraiser or contact Claire.Rossall@guidedogs.org.uk
You can also join our free virtual information events on Puppy Raising – the next session is Tuesday 20 May (details or to reserve your space on Eventbrite ‘Become a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs – Virtual information event’). Can’t make that session? Email Claire for details as we hold them regularly throughout the year.