What does "puppy raising" entail?

Puppy raisers take a puppy into their home and raise it to be a well-behaved adult dog. They provide it with love and care, socialise it to a variety of situations, and teach it basic obedience. This is preferable to raising the pup at the training facility, because they get the one-on-one attention they need, and learn to live in a normal home. (And they learn that all-important skill, toilet training!!!)

Can anybody be a puppy raiser?

Almost anyone can be a puppy raiser, as long as they have a yard with a secure fence, and are able to take the puppy around with them most of the time, ie to work at least some of the time.

However, puppy-raising for Canine Helpers is more involved than raising a pet dog.  While a baby-puppy (2 - 6 months) is cute and easy to manage, an adolescent puppy (9 - 12 months) can be a lot more challenging.  The growing puppy will need exercising, grooming, taking to training sessions and on outings for socialisation, and daily training at home.

Will a Canine Helpers puppy be ok with my, dog, cat and/or children?

We love it when puppies are raised with other well-trained dogs, and with other pets such as birds and cats, and we will help you to help them get along; it usually works wonderfully.  We do not recommend raising a puppy if your children have not reached preschool age, but taking the puppy to visit other children are an excellent idea.

What if I want to be a puppy-raiser, but can't manage a young pup?

We also need puppy-sitters to look after our puppies for short periods, usually when the regular puppy-raiser goes on holiday outside Queensland and can't take the puppy along.

We occasionally also need carers for more mature dogs, often for just a short time. Please let us know if you could take an older dog as a good home is always welcome.

Are Canine Helpers puppies allowed in public like learner Guide Dogs?

Yes.  Puppy raisers take their pups out in public places to socialise them and introduce them to the things they will encounter in later life.  Puppies wear special coats for this purpose.  Often puppy raisers take their pups out to work with them, this way the pups very quickly learn to behave in work environments such as offices.

How long does it take from tiny puppy to fully trained service dog?

Puppies stay in their puppy raisers' homes from the time they are about 8 weeks of age until they are 12-15 months old.  They are then returned to the training facility to complete a 6-month intensive training period.  The graduate dog is expected to work for about 8 years.  After this time, they may be available for adoption; often the original puppy raisers take them in.

What happens to dogs that "fail"?

Dogs that aren't suitable to become an assistance dog can become companion dogs for people with cognitive or emotional difficulties, or are re-homed into carefully selected pet homes. The puppy raisers have the first option to keep the dog they raised, before it is offered to a pet home.

How much does all this cost me?

Raising a puppy for Canine Helpers should not cost very much at all.  For a start, your vet bills will be kindly covered by Greencross Vets (you must attend a Greencross Vet Clinic) and we also pay unexpected vet bills.  Canine Helpers also provides puppy food, preventative medication and all the necessary items like a collar, leash,  bed etc.  We register the dog with the council, and can locate obedience classes that are free for Canine Helpers puppies.  The only cost to you is in extra toys or accessories that you may wish to purchase for your dog.

Will I get instructions and help in raising my pup?

Canine Helpers provides all puppy raisers with as much help as they need to raise their pup. Canine Helpers also instructs puppy raisers on diet and training techniques.  We can assure you that as we choose puppies for the purpose of becoming assistance dogs, they possess all the prerequisites for living in harmony with humans.

What if I take a puppy in, and then change my mind?

It's very easy to find puppy raisers who will keep the dog until they change their minds, but Canine Helpers really needs puppy raisers who are absolutely committed.  A change of home is very disturbing to a puppy's development, and is something we would wish to avoid if at all possible. You may want to check with work, other family members and your landlord to make sure that it will be ok for a whole year.  You may also need to adapt holiday plans as you really should look forward to a holiday with four-legged company.

How do I apply to be a puppy raiser?

Complete and return the Puppy Raiser Application Form.  When he have received your form, our Dog Training Co-ordinator will visit your home, meet you and your family and discuss all the requirements for becoming one of our puppy raisers.  You will be notified very quickly whether or not you are suitable, and if you are, you will placed on our short waiting list.

I can't raise a puppy, how else can I help?

You can help us to train assistance dogs by making donations of money or goods, or remembering Canine Helpers in your will.  Canine Helpers also needs volunteers to help with fundraising and in other areas.  Please read the rest of this website for more information!