Puppy Raisers

Ever thought of becoming a service dog puppy raiser? It's a rewarding experience, but it takes a big commitment for you, your family, and for the puppy. Here are some requirements for all puppy raisers for Hero Assistance Dogs. If you are interested in being a puppy raiser you can open a Puppy Raiser application below. You will need to print and complete the application, and then mail to our Jacksonville address.

PUPPY RAISER APPLICATION

 

EXPECTATIONS OF A PUPPY RAISER

1. Care for the needs of an 8-week-old puppy, which will need attention every two hours during the day and possibly during the night for the first month.
   
2. Crate training/housebreaking
   
3. Spend at least 30 minutes a day doing obedience training, introducing at least 4-6 or more commands each week.
   
4. Attend formal obedience classes throughout the time the puppy is in your home.
   
5. Spend at least 3 hours a week socializing the puppy in public places.
   
6. Expose the puppy, (after 12 weeks of age), to as may varied types of exposures as possible. Not just the same routine.
   
7. You must be able to financially provide for the needs of a puppy for about 18 months.
   
8. Unless the puppy is sponsored, this includes shots and regular veterinary care, neutering, x-rays, quality food and shelter. We hope to get as many sponsored puppies as possible.
   
9. Puppy belongs to Hero Assistance Dogs, Inc. and is not your personal pet. You will be expected to return the puppy and service dog vest at a designated time for advanced training.
   
10. The puppy needs to be raised as an indoor dog. Keep in mind how it will live as a future service dog.
    
11. Attend training meetings when scheduled, approximately every other month.
    
12. As you are socializing your puppy, help educate the public about Service Dogs.
    Represent Hero Assistance Dogs, Inc. in a professional & positive light at all times.
    
13. Released service puppies/career change puppies will not be offered to the puppy
    trainer/raiser. Our goal is to find a working position for all of our puppies whenever possible.
    
14. Puppy Trainer/Raisers must be willing to turn in quarterly evaluations on the puppy’s
    progress, and keep a weekly command evaluation updated to be passed in with the quarterly evaluation.
    
15. At 8 months of age, all puppies will be evaluated and graded. This will let us know how the puppy is progressing and if it is to stay in the program or be career changed.