Puppy raiser/trainers are volunteers who agree to raise, love and train puppies that have the potential to become Assistance Dogs. These unpaid volunteers agree to follow the guidelines and recommendations for caring for and training the puppy.

 

Puppy raisers/trainers are responsible for covering all of the puppy’s normal veterinarian expenses, including exams, treatment of infections, neuter/spay, vaccinations, heartworm prevention and flea control products. Volunteers agree to provide a high-quality food that is specifically formulated for large breed dogs.

 

Part of the training the puppy will receive is socialization and exposure to different people and environments. Taking the puppy into public settings while it’s wearing its working vest teaches it how to behave appropriately and confidently.