BASIC INFORMATION
Volunteer Position: Puppy Raiser
Reports to: Your Puppy Raiser Area Lead
Time Commitment: 10-12 months
Locations
If you are NEW to puppy raising you MUST live in: • Bakersfield, CA •
Our puppy raising program provides a unique opportunity for you to assist Good Dog! in helping children and families living with a disability. As a volunteer puppy raiser, you will provide a puppy with a safe home, take them to obedience classes, feed them a healthy diet, socialize them and give them lots of love. Read more about the experience of puppy raising on our blog.
Our volunteer puppy raisers provide a great service to the Good Dog! program; you will help establish the foundation of early experiences, which are critical in preparing the puppy for Advanced Training. This commitment involves four major areas of personal and financial responsibility:
RESPONSIBILITIES
Care
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Provide a safe home environment.
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Supply Good Dog! approved food and other supplies required for puppy raising.
Dog Training
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Participate in Good Dog! in-person training classes 2x/month or more, as determined by the Area Lead.
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Submit monthly training reports.
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Participate in virtual or in-person meetings as requested by Area Lead.
Socialization
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Enroll in Good Dog! approved puppy socialization classes.
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Expose the puppy to a variety of environmental and situational experiences.
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Create opportunities for the puppy to interact with children.
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Agree to follow Good Dog! approved socialization guidelines and handling techniques.
Commitment
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Safely house and care for a puppy from eight weeks of age until approximately 12-14 months of age. Household must not include children younger than six or pets younger than 2 years of age.
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Devote time each day to oversee the complete care of the puppy: feeding, grooming, socialization, and exercise as recommended by our Good Dog! Lead Trainer.
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Puppy Raiser pays the cost of supplies, food and care. Good Dog! pays for all medical costs related to the puppy.
Please note that your household must not include children under 6 or other pets under 2 years of age. You must have a fenced yard or be willing to create a secure area for the puppy to run freely. Puppies will only be placed in homes with pet dogs that are neutered or spayed.
Please only apply if you live in one of the locations listed above or you have raised a puppy for a service or guide dog organization.
