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Puppy raisers, Shaping puppies into partners
Overview
Our puppy raising program is the essential first step in developing future service and therapy dogs. Each puppy is placed in a loving volunteer home where they learn the building blocks of good behavior, socialization, and confidence in a wide variety of environments. From basic obedience to polite manners in public, these young dogs are given the experiences they need to grow into steady, adaptable partners ready for advanced training. Puppy raisers play a critical role in preparing them to handle the world with calmness and reliability.
We provide our raisers with ongoing guidance, resources, and structured training support to ensure both puppy and family succeed. Raisers attend classes, participate in outings, and maintain regular communication with our trainers to track progress and address challenges. This hands-on experience not only helps the puppy but also gives volunteers the chance to be part of something truly meaningful, shaping the foundation of a future working dog.
Becoming a puppy raiser means becoming part of a mission that changes lives. Each puppy that graduates from a raiser’s home moves forward with the skills, manners, and confidence needed for advanced task training. By opening your home to a service or therapy dog in training, you’re giving someone the gift of independence, support, and companionship, while gaining the joy and fulfillment of knowing you helped start their journey.
Why puppy raise a working dog?
Raising a puppy to become a service or therapy dog means playing an essential role in shaping the foundation of a life-changing partner. From the very beginning, puppy raisers help instill good manners, confidence, and socialization skills that cannot be replicated later in training. Unlike dogs that enter advanced training without this groundwork, puppies raised in dedicated homes have the consistency, structure, and early exposure they need to thrive in real-world environments. This early preparation ensures they grow into dependable, adaptable partners who are ready to take on the challenges of advanced task training.
By becoming a puppy raiser, you’re not just opening your home to a dog, you’re becoming part of a mission that transforms lives. Every walk, every outing, and every moment of training helps create a future service or therapy dog capable of providing independence, comfort, and support to someone in need. The time and care you invest provide the foundation of reliability and trust that makes these dogs extraordinary, and it’s the first step in creating a partner who will one day bring confidence, peace of mind, and freedom to their handler.
Responsibilities of a Puppy Raiser
The Basics
Our puppy raising program is the foundation of every future service and therapy dog. Each puppy is placed in a volunteer home where they receive daily care, structure, and gentle guidance during their most critical developmental stages. Raisers help foster confidence, adaptability, and curiosity by exposing puppies to a variety of people, sounds, and environments. This early socialization ensures that the dogs grow into well-adjusted companions, capable of navigating the many challenges of public life. With consistent routines and positive reinforcement, puppies learn to feel secure and enthusiastic about new experiences.
As the puppies grow, raisers begin teaching the fundamentals of training. House manners, crate training, and impulse control create a stable foundation, while basic obedience commands establish communication and focus. Exposure to public settings such as stores, parks, and community events is gradually increased, helping puppies learn to remain calm and responsive in distracting environments. Every outing is an opportunity to strengthen reliability and confidence, while ensuring the dog feels supported and motivated to succeed.
Our program provides ongoing guidance and support throughout the process, ensuring both puppy and raiser thrive. Volunteer raisers attend training classes, receive one-on-one feedback, and are part of a community dedicated to the same mission. Veterinary care, structured enrichment activities, and developmentally appropriate challenges are built into the program, promoting not only obedience but also emotional balance and resilience. By partnering closely with trainers, puppy raisers can feel confident knowing they are setting their dog up for long-term success.
When the time comes for the puppy to move on, they graduate with the strong foundation needed for advanced training. Thanks to the daily care and dedication of their raisers, these dogs are already equipped with manners, focus, and confidence that allow them to thrive in professional training. Puppy raising is more than just an act of volunteerism, it is the first and most important step in creating a service or therapy dog who will one day provide independence, support, and life-changing companionship to someone in need.
Socialization
Socialization is one of the most important responsibilities of a puppy raiser. During a dog’s first year of life, they go through critical developmental stages where experiences shape how they view the world as adults. Exposing puppies to a variety of people, places, sights, and sounds helps them build confidence and adaptability, preparing them for the demands of service or therapy work. Simple activities such as meeting children, walking on different surfaces, hearing loud noises, or calmly visiting stores teach puppies to remain composed and curious instead of fearful. Each positive experience lays the groundwork for a well-adjusted, resilient dog.
As a puppy raiser, socialization is about more than just new environments, it’s about teaching the puppy how to behave appropriately in each situation. Outings are carefully structured so the puppy learns to stay calm, focused, and responsive while encountering distractions. By combining exposure with basic obedience and consistent routines, raisers help the puppy develop strong coping skills and reliable manners. This early work ensures the dog will later transition smoothly into advanced training, already comfortable in public settings and prepared to succeed as a dependable working partner.
Training & Classes
Our puppy raising program is built on consistency, guidance, and community support to give every future service or therapy dog the strongest possible foundation. To ensure puppies receive the right balance of exposure and training, we require each raiser to attend at least one local group class per month. These group classes give puppies valuable practice around new people, other dogs, and different environments, helping them build confidence, social skills, and focus despite distractions. At the same time, raisers benefit from learning in a supportive community setting where they can share experiences, ask questions, and receive hands-on instruction from professional trainers.
In addition to group learning, we require a minimum of two virtual update sessions and one individual in-person session each month. Virtual updates keep communication consistent, allowing trainers to track the puppy’s progress, offer feedback, and troubleshoot challenges as they arise. The monthly one-on-one session provides personalized guidance tailored to the specific puppy, ensuring their development stays on track and that the raiser feels confident in their role. By combining group classes, virtual updates, and private support, our program gives both puppies and raisers the structure, tools, and encouragement they need to succeed in preparing dogs for their future working roles.
support for Puppy Raisers
Supplies
When you bring a puppy home as a puppy raiser, you’ll receive everything you need to start your journey together. Each puppy will come with a training vest, collar, and leash to help with proper handling and socialization. You’ll also receive essential supplies such as a kennel, food and water bowls, pee pads, and a selection of toys to keep your puppy happy, engaged, and comfortable in their new environment. High-quality treats and kibble will also be provided to support training from day one.
To make the experience as smooth as possible, we will continue to supply your puppy with food each month, ensuring they receive the proper nutrition throughout their puppy raising journey. Our goal is to equip you with all the tools and support needed to nurture a well-rounded, confident, and healthy future service dog, while making the process enjoyable and manageable for both you and your puppy.
Yearly Vet care
All of our puppies in training receive full veterinary care provided by the program, ensuring they remain healthy and supported while being raised. Each puppy is kept up to date on vaccinations, parasite prevention, and wellness checks, and they are microchipped to our organization for added safety and identification. By covering these essential needs, we make sure puppy raisers can focus on providing love, structure, and training experiences without the burden of medical expenses. This approach guarantees that every puppy grows up with the best possible start to life, setting them on the right path to becoming a reliable service or therapy dog.
Ongoing veterinary care continues throughout the puppy raising journey to maintain each dog’s health and well-being. From routine vaccinations to wellness exams, our program takes an active role in monitoring every puppy’s growth and development. This consistency not only protects the dog’s health but also ensures they are physically and emotionally prepared for advanced training later on. By providing comprehensive veterinary support, we give puppy raisers peace of mind while ensuring every puppy develops into a strong, healthy, and capable future working partner.
Health testing
All of our puppies in training receive comprehensive health testing covered entirely by our program, ensuring they are set up for success from the very beginning. These evaluations may include genetic testing, cardiac and ocular screenings, and orthopedic certifications such as OFA, depending on the dog’s age and development. By providing these health assessments at no cost to our puppy raisers, we take responsibility for confirming that every puppy is physically sound and well-suited for the important work of service or therapy dog training.
Ongoing monitoring and re-evaluations continue throughout the raising period, giving our program full insight into each dog’s long-term health and soundness. Puppy raisers can focus their time and energy on socializing, training, and nurturing their pup, while our team ensures that all medical and structural needs are thoroughly addressed. By handling every aspect of health testing, we not only support our raisers but also uphold the highest standards for future service and therapy dogs—ensuring that each one is capable, reliable, and prepared for a lifetime of meaningful work.
Altering dogs
All of our service dogs are spayed or neutered at an age-appropriate time to ensure they are physically and behaviorally ready for the demands of service work. This timing is carefully considered to support the dog’s overall health, long-term soundness, and working focus. Altering at the right stage of development promotes stability and aligns with responsible standards for dogs in professional roles.
If a dog remains intact while in a raiser’s or handler’s care, they will be under a strict contract until the spay or neuter procedure is completed. This contract ensures that the dog’s placement respects both the breeder’s requirements and our program’s standards, while safeguarding the dog’s well-being and the integrity of their training. These protocols provide confidence that every service dog is raised and placed responsibly, with health, focus, and ethical practices as top priorities.
Requirements
Home environment
The ideal home environment for a puppy raiser in our program is safe, stable, and structured. Puppies thrive in spaces where hazards are minimized and they have room to explore safely. This includes secure indoor areas free of dangerous objects, cords, or small items that could be ingested. Fenced yards are preferred for outdoor play and potty breaks, though supervised outdoor access can work if a yard isn’t available. A consistent daily routine with designated feeding, potty, and training times helps the puppy develop confidence, good habits, and emotional stability.
Puppies benefit from social interaction, so homes with children or other animals can be wonderful environments, as long as proper introductions and testing are done first. Children and pets in the home must be evaluated to ensure safe, positive interactions with the puppy. Puppies need exposure to a variety of people, sounds, environments, and experiences to develop into well-rounded service dogs. Homes that can provide regular outings, visits to public spaces, and positive interactions help the puppy build confidence while maintaining consistent boundaries and expectations.
An appropriate puppy raising environment includes patience, dedication, and emotional support. Raising a service dog puppy is a commitment that requires time, attention, and the ability to handle challenges with kindness and understanding. Homes that can provide consistent supervision, engage in training sessions, and work closely with our program staff will help the puppy thrive. By offering a nurturing, structured, and carefully monitored environment, puppy raisers play a critical role in shaping the future service dog’s confidence, focus, and ability to succeed in their ultimate role.
Restrictions
To ensure the safety, well-being, and proper development of our puppies, there are specific restrictions for individuals interested in becoming puppy raisers. Applicants with recent felony convictions, violent offenses, or any history of animal-related charges, neglect, or abuse are not eligible to participate in the program. These restrictions are in place to protect the puppies from potentially unsafe situations and ensure they receive consistent care in a secure environment. Additionally, anyone who cannot provide a stable and safe home, including secure fencing and hazard-free indoor spaces, will be disqualified from the program.
Beyond legal and environmental considerations, lifestyle and personal circumstances are also important. Puppy raisers must be able to commit the necessary time and energy to train, socialize, and care for the puppy daily. Individuals who travel frequently without arrangements for proper puppy supervision, work long hours without a support system, or cannot provide consistent guidance may not meet program requirements. The ability to maintain a structured routine and supervise the puppy at all times is critical to the puppy’s successful development into a working dog.
Health and household considerations are equally important. Puppies may live with other pets or children, but all animals and family members must be tested and approved before interactions to ensure safety and positive experiences. Prospective raisers must also be in good physical and mental health, able to manage the puppy’s exercise, training, and care needs. Any conditions that could compromise supervision, training consistency, or the puppy’s well-being may prevent participation. These restrictions collectively help create the safest, most nurturing environment possible for the puppies while supporting their growth into confident, well-trained dogs.
Expectations
Puppy raisers play a critical role in the early development of future service dogs, and certain expectations are essential to ensure the puppies thrive. Raisers are expected to provide daily care, including feeding, exercise, socialization, and supervision, while following the training guidelines provided by our program staff. Puppies must be exposed to a variety of environments, people, and experiences to develop confidence and adaptability, and raisers are responsible for consistently reinforcing positive behaviors using approved, humane training methods. Maintaining a structured routine is crucial for the puppy’s emotional stability and success in its future service role.
Consistency and communication are key expectations for all puppy raisers. Raisers must attend all scheduled training sessions, workshops, and check-ins, and maintain regular communication with program staff regarding the puppy’s progress, behavior, and any health concerns. Documentation, including training logs and notes on socialization experiences, is required to track the puppy’s growth and development. Raisers are also expected to follow program guidelines regarding public access, interactions with other animals or children, and any travel or overnight arrangements to ensure the puppy’s safety and consistent training.
Finally, puppy raisers are expected to commit to the full duration of the puppy raising program. This includes being prepared for challenges, setbacks, or behavioral issues, and working collaboratively with trainers and program staff to address them. Raisers must demonstrate patience, dedication, and flexibility, understanding that the puppy’s needs come first. By meeting these expectations, raisers provide the critical foundation necessary for a confident, well-behaved service dog, while fostering a positive and rewarding experience for themselves and the puppy.
Benefits of Raising a Puppy
Adoption of career change dogs
Puppy raisers play an important and lasting role in the lives of the dogs they raise, and as a recognition of that commitment, they are given first opportunity to adopt career change or retired service dogs. These are dogs that have completed their working roles due to age, injury, or other circumstances that prevent them from continuing as service animals. Raisers who have provided consistent care, training, and socialization are often uniquely positioned to continue providing a loving and stable home for these dogs after their service careers have ended.
Eligibility for adoption is based on the raiser’s history with the program and their ability to meet the needs of the retired or career change dog. Raisers are expected to provide a safe and secure home environment, continue appropriate veterinary care, and meet any special needs the dog may have, such as medical management, exercise, or behavioral support. Program staff may provide guidance or recommendations to help ensure the transition from working dog to companion pet is smooth and positive for both the dog and the adopter.
This opportunity is designed to honor the bond formed between raisers and the dogs they have nurtured, while also supporting the long-term well-being of the dog. Raisers who choose to adopt a career change or retired dog help provide continuity, familiarity, and love for a dog they have already helped shape into a confident, well-trained companion. By offering this priority adoption option, the program reinforces the importance of the raiser’s dedication and provides a rewarding pathway to continue the relationship beyond the dog’s working years.
Changing lives one puppy at a time
Puppy raisers play a transformative role in the lives of service and therapy dogs, laying the foundation for their future careers. By providing daily care, consistent training, and early socialization, raisers help these puppies develop the confidence, focus, and adaptability required to succeed in their roles. Every walk, play session, and training exercise contributes to building a well-rounded dog capable of assisting individuals with disabilities or providing comfort in therapy settings. The time, patience, and dedication of a puppy raiser directly impact the dog’s ability to grow into a reliable, compassionate, and skilled partner.
The impact of puppy raisers extends far beyond the dogs themselves, they also change lives in the community. Service dogs trained by our program go on to provide independence, safety, and emotional support to individuals who rely on them daily, while therapy dogs bring comfort, joy, and healing to hospitals, schools, and care facilities. Without the nurturing guidance and support of dedicated puppy raisers, these dogs would not reach their full potential. By raising a puppy, our volunteers become an essential part of a life-changing journey, helping to create a ripple effect of positive impact that touches both the dogs and the people they serve.
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