Raising a puppy for SA Guide Dogs Association is a great way to make a real change and impact in the lives of visually impaired, physically disabled and children on the Autism Spectrum in South Africa.
What is the Puppy Raising Programme?
It is a Volunteer Programme where you will receive the Puppy from the Association from 8 weeks of age, this puppy will stay with you until approximately 16 months of age.
During this time, the Puppy Raiser will attend a training session once a week at our premises and various other public spaces. The class is about an hour long and are run by a Puppy Raising Supervisor. You may need to attend more classes when required.
Besides the formal training sessions, the Puppy Raiser is encouraged to take the puppy with them wherever they go as often as possible, there are restrictions applicable up to 16 weeks of age.
The Puppy Raiser will often be invited to join the marketing team at various fundraising events (malls, expos, markets etc), to interact with and meet the public.
These events help to socialise the puppy and increase its’ exposure to people and expose the puppy to varying stimuli in various environments.
Around 16 months of age, the pup returns to the Association for formal. During this time, the Puppy Raiser may continue to have the dog with them at home over the weekend and holidays as all dogs in formal training go to homes over weekends and holiday periods.
Once the formal training is complete, the dog will be matched to their new person. During a class of 2 to 3 weeks, the dog and their owner, Guide Dog, Service Dog or Autism Support Dog train and bond together as their journey of freedom and independence begins.
What we offer:
* A branded puppy pack that contains all the essentials that the puppy would need to start their journey.
Aside from the puppy, you will also receive:
- Collar
- Lead
- Jacket
- A Chew Toy
- Treat Bag
- Blanket
- Vaccinations, Deworming, Tick and Flea Protection throughout
* All food and vet bills are covered
* Each Litter has a dedicated Puppy Raising Supervisor who assists you with any training or behaviour challenges you might have with the puppy.
* If you go away on holiday, your Supervisor will allocate a home for the puppy.
Basic requirements to become a Puppy Raiser:
• Be 18 years and older
• Be a responsible dog lover
• Have a calm and patient temperament
• Be physically fit and capable of caring for a puppy
• Have flexible hours (you can still have a full time job at the office)
• Be available to attend weekly training sessions on weekdays for a 21-week period during office hours
• Be able to attend monthly to bi-monthly outings with the puppy and other Puppy Raisers during office hours on weekdays and or weekends when applicable
• Have own transport and a valid driver’s license
• Be able to commit up to 16 months with the puppy
The Volunteer Puppy Raising Programme is for anyone who loves animals and is willing to learn new training skills and help make a difference.
SA Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind’s vision is to have a country where every person with visual and physical disabilities can experience freedom and independence.
Sign up to be a Volunteer Puppy Raiser today and help make a difference. To become a Puppy Raiser email [email protected] or for more information visit www.guidedog.org.za
