Southeastern Guide Dogs

Raise a Puppy

Our Puppy Raisers: Where the Transformation Begins

Training an exceptional guide dog begins before a puppy is even born. Our intentional breeding program means our puppies come from parents who are known for their intelligence, loving personality, and trainability. Newborn puppies are soon tickled and stretched as part of our early socialization program. Before they're weaned, young puppies are exposed to sights, sounds, textures, and plenty of puppy-hugging volunteers. House training starts early, to make the next step in their training that much more enjoyable for everyone. The next step?

Home to our puppy raisers!

Puppy raisers are volunteer families who agree to welcome a future guide dog into their home. These foster homes are where our young puppies training and socialization takes an important turn; it is here that they become comfortable with home life, learn basic obedience, and begin to experience the world. Puppy raisers take our puppies everywhere-to work, out to eat, on trips, and even grocery shopping. This real-world training imitates the experiences that our dogs need to successfully guide a visually impaired person wherever they want to go.

The puppy-raising experience requires a great deal of commitment, time, energy, and focus. It's an unforgettable and rewarding experience, and most puppy raisers choose to participate again and again. One of the hardest parts of the program is saying goodbye; at 14 to 20 months the puppies return to "school" for formal harness training. But on the day when puppy raisers return to campus to visit their old friend and meet its new owner-one of our visually impaired students-the incredible emotional reward comes full circle.

If you are interested in becoming a puppy raiser, read our frequently asked questions below and submit your application. If you need further information prior to submitting an application, contact Melinda Shaver at 941.729.5665 ext. 118.

Puppy Raisers: Frequently Asked Questions

Do puppy raisers receive special training?

Southeastern Guide Dogs equips our puppy raiser families with training materials and support. Puppy raisers agree to attend two meetings each month with local area coordinators who guide and mentor them, sharing the goal of raising a successful guide dog.

What costs are involved in raising a puppy?

Southeastern Guide Dogs pays for veterinary medical care and provides monthly heartworm medication. Raisers are responsible for food, leash, collar, crate, toys, and flea/tick prevention. These expenses may be tax deductible.

How old are the puppies when they arrive in a puppy raiser's home?

Puppies are ready to go to foster homes at about nine weeks.

At what age do the puppies return to Southeastern Guide Dogs?

Puppies return for formal harness training anywhere from 14 to 20 months.

Do puppies arrive house trained?

Puppies' house training has begun, but most puppies are experiencing a mixture of success.

Are puppies crate trained?

Our puppies have begun crate training. But remember, they are still very young and may need special attention the first few nights home.

Are the puppies allowed in public places like other service dogs?

Each puppy in our program receives a blue "Puppy in Training" coat which enables puppy raisers to expose the future guide dog to a variety of public environments and situations. The coat also prepares the puppy for the sensation of a harness.

Where are the puppy raiser programs?

We have many puppy raisers who live and work near our Palmetto, Florida campus, including Sarasota, Bradenton, and the surrounding areas. We are currently seeking to expand our puppy raising program and start new puppy raiser groups in many Florida communities, including St. Petersburg, Tampa, Naples, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.

Are puppy raisers involved in any extracurricular functions?

Puppy raisers may act as goodwill ambassadors to promote public awareness and support for Southeastern Guide Dogs. Some puppy raisers choose to participate in fundraising events, give demonstrations, and speak at schools and public meetings to promote the important work of Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Are there any age requirements for puppy raisers?

You must be 18 years of age or older or have an adult apply for you.

How do I apply to become a puppy raiser?

You can start the process by filling out our secure online application to start your journey. Repeat puppy raisers please use our Repeat Puppy Raiser Application.

Once we receive your application, we will contact your nearest area coordinator who will invite you to a group meeting. You'll be able to see firsthand what puppy raising is all about. Next, the area coordinator will conduct a home visit and submit a recommendation. Upon approval, we will place you on our puppy waiting list. Wait time can vary, but you can typically expect a six-month wait or longer.