Puppy Raiser - Guide Dogs For The Blind Association

Are you a dog lover? Do you have the time to help raise a life-changing puppy? Would you like to make a difference to someone's life? If you've answered yes to these questions, then this role could be perfect for you!

About the Organisation

Guide Dogs For The Blind Association

What you will be doing

We are currently after a few Puppy Raisers in an approx. 3 mile radius from SM1 4RQ.

As a Puppy Raiser, you'll provide a 6-8 week-old puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. You'll be looking after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home.

There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss.
 

What's in it for you?

The satisfaction of knowing you're supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well. The rewarding feeling of watching a mischievous puppy learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog. The opportunity to participate in our bespoke world-class training programme – this can help you train your own dogs or advance a future career in dog handling. The opportunity to have a loveable, canine companion, proven to reduce feelings of stress and improve fitness – you’ll be out walking rain or shine! The chance to be part of the inspirational Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people and interacting with a community of puppy raisers in your area. A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

 

What skills will you need?

Activities
Advice, Information & Support,Caring,Community Work,Teaching & Training,General & Helping
 
Skills & Attributes
Organising & Planning, UK Driving Licence, Communication Skills, Listening Skills
 
Skills Description
A loving home with enough time to invest in raising a puppy and attending to their needs (e.g. toilet training). If you work from home or have hobbies, you'll need to be available to give the puppy regular attention alongside these. Someone at home who is physically able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg). Access to a car, so that you can get your puppy used to travelling. The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in the property if you rent your home. A safe secure area outside for your puppy to go to the toilet. Puppies can happily live with other dogs or children. To determine whether you can provide a suitable environment for a puppy in the company of other dogs or children, we will conduct a home visit as part of the application process. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed to walk the puppy but we encourage the whole family to be involved in some of the puppy’s development.
 

What's the time commitment and where? 

Full time, as the dog will live with you.

Location: Puppy will be placed in your home. Home based with local travel

 

How can I apply?

Please complete the form below and we will put you in contact with the organisation.   It’s helpful if you can tell us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in this role in the message box below. 

By completing this form you agree for us to pass on your contact details to the organisation.

 

 

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