Wollongong puppy raiser and puppy development advisor Elyse Marr with her pup Wallace at his intake day. Photo: Elyse Marr.
Calling all dog lovers with long-term commitment issues – this is the job for you.
Guide Dogs NSW is looking for volunteer puppy raisers in the Illawarra to nurture the next generation of guide dogs.
A Wollongong litter is about to arrive, and they need loving families to help them grow up.
All you need is time, patience, a home with access to an outdoor area, and a car.
In return you get to raise an eight-week-old puppy for a year before it heads off to official Guide Dog training – with all costs fully covered.
Wollongong puppy development advisor Elyse Marr said anyone over 18 could put their hand up to be a puppy raiser.
“Time is the biggest commitment,” she said.
“You can’t leave the dog alone for more than four hours, they need plenty of love and attention and training in a safe environment.
“We love having retirees, families and young people raising puppies to give them a diverse range of experiences.
“You don’t need to be a dog trainer to be a puppy raiser, we teach you everything.”
From about eight weeks of age guide dogs are placed with puppy raisers who provide basic training and a loving home, so they become well socialised, confident, and focused before they start their formal training.
This includes establishing good toileting, feeding, sleeping, and walking routines.
Guide Dogs NSW provides regular training sessions, support and supplies.
It also covers food and vet costs, and if you’re going away or need a short break from puppy life it will also arrange temporary care.
It takes more than two years and costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise and train each guide dog, who are provided at no cost to those who need them.
Elyse recently sent her first puppy, Wallace, off to guide dog training school.
She said the experience helped her provide the best support to other puppy raisers.
“I loved having him, he was such a sweet dog,” she said.
“His naughty behaviour was jumping up on the counters and stealing food.
“Giving him back was very emotional, but it’s overshadowed by how much pride you have in that dog.
“You get plenty of puppy love and you get to see the difference they make in people’s lives.”
Elyse said the supportive Wollongong puppy raising community also helped to make the experience enjoyable.
If you would like to become a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs NSW, follow this link to apply.
