What do puppy raisers do?
What do Puppy raisers do?
Puppy raisers are volunteers, individuals or families who agree to welcome a future service,therapy and/or Facility dog (Therapy Comfort K9) into their home. These homes are where our young puppies‘ training and socialization takes an important turn; it is here that they become comfortable with home life, learn basic obedience, and begin to experience the world. The commitment is for 18 months for a Full-Time raiser.
You can help us unite people with trained therapy, facility and service dogs in a powerful program that leads to people meeting their physical and mental health goals. Every working dog starts as a puppy that needs a loving home. You can raise a dog and change a life. Volunteer puppy raising is an incredible way to help our First responders ( both Police and Fire) with a therapy Comfort K as well as our local schools with a School Therapy Comfort K9. Our Therapy dogs are trained for Goal Oriented Therapy other wise known as animal assisted therapy AAT. These dogs will promote health and wellness. Which leads to fuller, happier lives. Our Service and Facility dog training is focused on helping school age kids as well as our Police Station Wellness programs and our Fire Houses peer support programs. Meeting the needs in our community.
What type of training will I do with the puppy?
Puppy raisers must set aside time for daily training and attend obedience classes for the duration of the project. You will bring your puppy to class a minimum of once a week for training. VIP Dog Teams uses the Puppy Start Right clicker training program (By Karen Pryor). By using the Start Right program, you will positively introduce your puppy to the world and practice what you learned in class at home weekly. VIP Dog Teams also utilizes the Baxter and Bella Training Program. You will also take you pup on age- appropriate outings.
I work outside the home; can I still be a puppy Raiser?
Absolutely! Most puppy raisers gain approval to take the puppy to work. We recommend speaking to your employer prior to applying. The puppy will need regular toileting breaks throughout the day. Taking your dog to work will help the puppy’s development, it will introduce them to the outside world that they will soon be living in when they graduate as a therapy or facility dog.
Need more info? Call us or click here https://vipdogteams.org/contact/to leave your name and email or phone
So, do Puppy Raisers get paid?
This is a volunteer position, but you do get paid with lots of puppy kisses. You also get the gratification of knowing that you are helping our community. What could be better than that!
How does VIP Dog Teams prepare individuals for their role as a puppy Raiser?
Each puppy raiser goes through an orientation process to learn what to do BEFORE you get your puppy and you will subscribe to Baxter & Bella to learn how to set up your home, have a family meeting about house rules and tons of videos to reinforce the live training you will get with VIP trainers..We will help you get your home ready for puppy success and also provide ongoing staff support to each puppy raiser via phone, e-mail, AND in-person follow-up. Your not alone. We typically raise 4 puppies at a time so you will have fellow puppy raisers to meet and go to class with. It’s so much fun!
How can I possibly give him up when the time comes?
You and the puppy you raise will take an amazing journey together! It’s only natural that you will become very attached to the dog. The ability to move your pup on comes from knowing that you’re raising this puppy for a purpose — that the puppy will go on to help others. Your puppy may become a service dog or facility dog in a school, police station or fire station.
Ready To be a Puppy Raiser?
Click here to fill out the application
What kind of financial commitment is required?
Puppy raisers agree to provide food, flea and tick treatment, transportation, and related well puppy expenses while the puppy is in their care. These expenses are usually tax-deductible. VIP Dog Teams carries insurance on all of the dogs to aid with catastrophic veterinary expenses.
Next Steps…
Apply today for upcoming opportunities to be a puppy raiser.