Puppy Raising: Shaping Future Service Dogs
Puppy raisers are responsible for providing a loving and structured home for young puppies to prepare them for future service dog work. They teach basic obedience, expose the puppy to various environments, people, and other animals, and instill good manners both at home and in public. Raisers attend training classes, follow specific training guidelines, and maintain the puppy’s health through proper diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
Puppies typically stay with their raisers until they are 12-18 months old, depending on their progress, maturity, and readiness for advanced training. We also offer co-raising opportunities with a family member or friend, giving raisers a built-in puppy sitter.
Service dogs in training are allowed in many public places, so travel isn’t necessarily an issue and can be a valuable experience, depending on the puppy's age. If a puppy isn’t ready for certain travel experiences, we can provide puppy-sitting when needed. Short-term raising is also available, provided another raiser can take over when the initial commitment ends.
