Expectations of Puppy Raisers

Guide Dogs for the Blind

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• Raise the puppy inside as a housedog.
• Provide a safe and securely fenced yard and/or a safe and secure confinement area for relieving the pup. The outside area must contain shelter from the elements and access to water.
• Provide a method to care for and relieve the puppy at least every 4-5 hours during the daytime until the puppy is six months old.
• Attend and participate in at least 80 percent or regularly scheduled club meetings and outings.
• Spend a minimum of 30 minutes each day with the puppy without the presence of other dogs.
• Provide an environment free of dogs with a history of aggression.
• Provide direct supervision when your GDB dog is with other dogs.
• Leave the puppy in a safe, harm free environment. (In particular, do not leave the puppy alone for extended periods of time in a fenced yard.)
• A leader must see your puppy weekly until 6 months of age.
• Provide appropriate food, grooming supplies, flea/tick control and veterinary care. (We strongly recommend that raisers have a crate and leather leash at hand.)
• Securely fence swimming pools, spas, and other bodies of water to prevent unsupervised access by the puppy.
• Keep any pet cats and dogs current on their vaccinations.
• Provide a safe setting for teaching your puppy to remain alone, unconfined in the home.
• Undergo a home visit by a Guide Dog approved leader and be approved by that individual.
• Need to utilize and approve puppy sitters for the Guide Dog puppy.
• You may not adopt or house any other pets other than the ones pre-approved by your Leader.
• Use Guide Dog approved training and management techniques when working with or caring for Guide Dog puppies.
• Complete and submit monthly a Guide Dog Puppy Raiser Monthly Report to their club leader.