Become a Puppy Raiser
It’s a “Tail” with Happy Endings
Raising a puppy requires patience, diligence, a bunch of chew toys, a great sense of humor and a lot of love. So, why would anyone consider taking an eight-week-old puppy into their home to nurture, foster and train only to pass this little love onto another puppy raising family about 4 – 6 months later? Quite frankly, because it will give you such great sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that you have been a part of forming a bond that will last a lifetime. At Genesis Assistance Dogs, Inc. we believe that our puppy raising protocol results in the most qualified, loyal service dogs in Florida.
Genesis Assistance Dogs learn to adapt to change from a very early age. During the first 4 months, the puppy raising family will focus on housebreaking, leash walking, handling, manners and learning basic commands. Our puppy raisers are encouraged to promote socialization of their charges by exposing them to a variety of environments, children, adults, disabled individuals, pets, transportation, etc. When out it public places all of our puppies proudly wear their Genesis “Dog in Training” vest. Our puppy raisers are required to maintain a regular training schedule with our Training Director who will assess and track progress.
The next phase of training will occur from four months to a year old. This period of time will permit the new puppy raiser(s) to reinforce all learned commands while introducing new ones. Continued socialization, handling and exposure to the public along with various scenarios are integral to assistance dog development and working towards achieving the AKC Canine good Citizen title. The Training Director will supervise regular training sessions which include introduction of new learned skills.
When our pup-in-training turns one, he/she is placed with its next family. They will continue to reinforce all that has been learned in the past year and work with the Training Director routinely to achieve a different set of tasks and goals. At this phase the puppy should be able to complete the AKC Community Canine title and the Assistance Dogs International Public Access test. Puppy will remain with this family for approximately six months.
In the next six months our dogs will be with their final puppy raiser family. Responsibilities at this age include reinforcement of all command and tasks learned in the past 18 months. Working with the Training Director they will maintain and teach new skills that are unique to their future partners. Genesis encourages our puppy raisers to interact with one another and provide our dogs the opportunity to meet and play with their brothers and sisters in training during all phases of development.
At this point, thanks to your participation in our puppy raising protocol, our wonderful service dog in Florida is ready to be paired with its human partner. Genesis will schedule Team Training for our client and their dog. This provides for the ultimate bond to be formed and allows Genesis to observe the clients capability of handling and working with their service dog in Florida. This training also includes learning about Service Dog rights and responsibilities under the auspices of the ADA and Genesis Assistance Dogs Inc. policy.
There is no denying that puppy raisers become attached to their wards. Knowing that you are participating in a life changing project that will provide assistance to a person with a disability is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. There will be no greater sense of accomplishment, pride and joy that you will ever experience then when you participate in a “Pass the Leash” ceremony as your puppy is permanently placed with its human companion.
Click here to learn more about our puppy raising protocol. Complete an application to become a Genesis Assistance Dog Inc. puppy raiser. The need is real, and you will be happy you did.
