Has anyone been a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs of America (or another service organization)?

Question

I am interested in becoming a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs of America and would like to find out more information about puppy raising. What was the experience like? Would you do it again? What kind of time commitment was the puppy on a daily basis? Any information that you would like to share about your experience as a puppy raiser would be of great help to me.

Answer 1

I raised 2 pups for Pilot Dogs, Inc.

Its alot of work.  You have to housebreak the pup.. that in itself is a trying experience!

The pup also needs to be taught basic house manners, obedience and socialized.  You have to remember that this will be a service dog for someone..  those little bad behavoiurs that you may think are "cute" may be ok for your pet.. but not acceptable for this pup to learn.

Socialization can be hard.  The pup is NOT a service dog yet.. so he's only allowed to go to the same places any other pet dog is allowed.  It can be hard to find socialization oppourtunities at times.  Puppy and obedience classes help..  and you can also check with local groups that have therapy dogs to see if your pup can participate.  Try to find outdoor events and activities that the pup would be welcomed to as well.

You will have to dedicate more time and commitment to this than if it was your own puppy...  mostly with the training and socialization.  He will go back to the facility when he is about a year old, and by then he should be housebroken, know basic obedience, and also be used to various situations and people.

Its hard giving them up after a year of putting so much work and care into them.

If I had the time to deal with a pup again.. yes I would do it again.