Disability Assistance Dogs is committed to providing the best dogs possible. Our puppy raising program is the foundation for the future success of dogs in becoming an Assistance Dog and the future relationship with their partner.
A Puppy Raiser must first love dogs and be able to spend lots of time with the puppy placed with them.
Fill out and return a Puppy Raising Application.
Puppy Raiser Responsibilities
- Be committed to raising a puppy for a minimum of 12 months.
- Return the puppy to Disability Assistance Dogs upon request.
- Be able and willing to pay for all puppy expenses: premium food, vet bills, training classes, grooming, socialization, exercise and any supplies.
- Provide a safe, healthy environment where the puppy feels loved and wanted.
- The puppy must stay indoors and sleep in a crate. The puppy may NOT be left outside or unattended all day or for long periods of time in the crate or yard.
- Arrangements must be made should something happen and you not be able to get back to your puppy.
- Puppy must be on leash at ALL times, unless in a secured fenced in area.
- Successfully complete an obedience training course with an approved instructor.
- Train the puppy with positive reinforcement – NEVER hit the puppy or use harsh methods.
- Use only collars approved by Disability Assistance Dogs. Use a flat collar on your puppy. Recommendations by other trainers at your training course will be taken under advisement, but may only be used after approval by our trainer.
- Socialize the puppy and keep it with you as much as possible as this will be the role of it as a future Service Dog.
- Follow Disability Assistance Dogs guidelines on jacket use and never abuse your privilege.
- Attend monthly Disability Assistance Dogs socialization outings so our trainer can observe the puppy’s progress. Complete monthly reports to Disability Assistance Dogs.
- Disability Assistance Dogs reserves the right to remove a puppy from a raiser at any time if you fail to fulfill your duties or abuse the puppy.
- If a Puppy Raiser is under the age of 18 years, the parents or guardian must fully agree to all terms listed above and sign off on the Puppy Raiser Application.
