What is a Puppy Raiser?

A Puppy Raiser is a volunteer who agrees to raise a puppy for Freedom Guide Dogs so that it can one day become a guide dog. At 14 weeks of age the puppy goes to live with the Puppy Raiser for one year to a year and a half. During that time the Puppy Raiser plays a key role in the socialization and development of the puppy which greatly increases its chances of graduating from the guide dog program.

PR Responsibilities

• Raise the puppy to be well-behaved. This means no jumping and no begging.
• The puppy needs to be leash trained. You walk the dog, the dog does not walk you. The puppy should also be able to go to the bathroom on leash (not while on a walk).
• Housebreak the puppy. The crate training method is preferred.
• Socializing the puppy is key. Expose the dog to as much as possible. Take to stores, church, school, around large groups of people, small children and other animals.

Puppy Raisers are responsible for paying for dog food during the time they have the puppy. The cost can be used as a tax write-off as it is a donation to a non-profit organization.

What we Provide

1. Crate
2. Collars
3. Training Manual
4. FGD Puppy Coat
5. Vet Expenses

Freedom Guide Dogs goes to Dr. Jamrosz at the New Hartford Animal Hospital. You can choose to use your local vet.

How to become a Puppy Raiser

Contact Freedom Guide Dogs to recieve your Puppy Raiser Packet in the mail, (315) 822-5132. The packet details everything involved in becoming a Puppy Raiser. It also includes an application form so that you can sign up right away. Please call us if you have any questions. We are always looking for Puppy Raisers and glad to help.