Puppy Raiser

A guide dog’s training starts as a young puppy. Equipped with training materials and support from Southeastern Guide Dogs, dedicated volunteer foster families give our specially bred puppies the foundation required for formal guide dog training.

The puppy raiser family takes a nine-week old puppy into their home. They teach it the basic obedience skills, good manners and socialization. The pup becomes a member of the family. The loving home environment allows the pup to become confident and obedient and to bond with people.

The puppy lives with the family until it is approximately 14-20 months of age. During that time, the raiser agrees to attend two meetings each month with a local area coordinator. Southeastern pays for veterinary medical care and will provide monthly heartworm medication. A blue puppy coat will be supplied to aid in socalizing the puppy in public areas; it will identify the puppy as a "puppy in training". Raisers are responsible for food, leash, collars, crate, toys, and flea/tick prevention - these expenses may be tax deductible.

Raising a guide dog puppy is truly an unforgettable experience. It is fun, but it also requires a great deal of time, responsibility and commitment from the entire family. This unselfish giving is a very difficult thing to do but look at the difference the dog will make once it becomes a guide dog for someone in need. Many puppy raisers find the program so rewarding they choose to participate again and again.

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

NEW APPLICANT	REPEAT APPLICANT
Online Application	Online Application
First Time Applicant PDF	Repeat Puppy Raiser Application PDF