Guide Dogs NSW is calling on everyday Australians on the Northern Beaches to open their homes to the next generation of Guide Dog puppies by volunteering as Puppy Raisers, also known as one of Australia’s most labradorable voluntary roles.
They’re looking for loving and responsible volunteers to help care for them over twelve months. This will help them develop some of the basic skills required before their formal Guide Dog training.
Puppy Raisers play a critical role in transforming young puppies into trainee Guide Dogs. These dogs will one day provide life-changing essential independence and freedom to someone who is blind or has low vision.
From 8 weeks of age Guide Dogs live with Puppy Raisers who provide basic training and a loving home. This helps them become well socialised, confident, and focused before they start their formal Guide Dog training twelve months later. This includes establishing good toileting, feeding, sleeping, and walking routines.
Raisers will also attend weekly training sessions so the puppy can learn basic skills. These include sitting nicely during grooming, walking nicely on a lead and developing good house manners. All of these skills set them up to develop the skills they’ll need to change a life.
Guide Dogs NSW, Puppy Development Manager Eddie Sullivan says,”Guide Dogs wouldn’t be sustainable without the assistance of our volunteers. Puppy Raisers are a tremendous support to the community and ultimately play a crucial role in helping Australians living with blindness or low vision lead independent lives”
“We are looking for people that are home most of the time and who are interested in putting effort into training and socialising the dog. What you get in return is a life-changing experience and knowing that you’ve positively contributed to your community,” My said.
Puppy Raisers just need to have access to outdoor space, be away from home no more than four hours at a time and have access to a car. A North Sydney and Northern Beaches volunteer must also be available for information sessions, vet checks and Puppy Pre-School.
While Puppy Raisers are responsible for everyday activities such as grooming, house training and exercising their pups, Guide Dogs provides a strong support network.
Guide Dogs provides food, veterinary care, flea and tick prevention. You will also have a dedicated Puppy Development Adviser on hand. They will answer any questions and provide guidance to our Puppy Raisers.
It takes over two years and costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise and train each Guide Dog. Like all of the organisation’s services, Guide Dogs are provided at no cost to those who need them.
For more information, visit the Guide Dogs Australia website: https://nsw.guidedogs.com.au/get-involved/become-puppy-raiser/
