puppy raisers
Puppy raisers are the heart and soul of our program trained service dogs. Without them this project could not exist. Puppy raisers are the parents, caretakers, and training guide for the first one to two years of these special dogs' lives. They commit to weekly training, grooming, feeding, and caring for the dogs until they reach maturity. Then they selflessly return the dogs to the training center for their advanced training. The rewards are tenfold when they get to see that little puppy all grown up and graduating, off to help someone like no other living being can.
So you are thinking WOW that sounds great, how do I sign up? We are always in need of puppy raisers and we welcome you with open arms but there are things to consider before applying. Are you ready for a 2 year commitment? These dogs can't bounce from home to home, they need a stable puppy hood to mature into great working dogs. Can you have a large dog in your current housing? We do not automatically rule out renters as puppy raisers but we do check with landlords carefully. Once they are potty trained and have their public manners they go everywhere with you, no really EVERYWHERE. Are you ready to spend the extra time everywhere you go toting along a dog? Do you have a job that could handle a dog? Can you commit to weekly training lessons for the entire time you have your puppy? You can miss training on occasion but for the proper training of your puppy you must attend regularly. These are just a few of the many things to consider before becoming a puppy raiser.
If you still want to become a puppy raiser, CONGRATULATIONS! There are a few simple steps you have to go through but soon you will have all puppy breath you can handle. First you have to fill out our Puppy Raiser Application. We will send you an application via email for you to fill out and return. Once approved we put you on the puppy list. The order in which you were approved is the order you will be on the list. We do not accept donated puppies without a puppy raiser on the waiting list. As soon as a puppy is donated for you we will notify you and arrange for your introduction.
Puppy raising is so very rewarding but it is also a little sad to see your adopted family member go. For that reason we offer the puppy raiser the chance to adopt there puppy free of charge if s/he does not make it to graduation. Puppy raisers that have just turned over a puppy have priority for puppy replacement. If you want to raise a second puppy you are put at the top of the waiting list.
Often times puppy raisers are busy raising there next puppy or for many other reasons do not want to adopt there last puppy that did not graduate. These highly socialized and trained pet dogs are then adopted as fund raisers. You can learn more about these amazing adoptable dogs by looking at our "Nearly Graduated Dog" program.
For more information on becoming a puppy raiser please contact K9 NorthWest.