News to get your tail wagging – Guide Dogs NSW is putting a call out for Puppy Raisers!

Fancy yourself as a puppy parent?

This National Volunteer Week, Guide Dogs NSW is calling on everyday Australians to open their homes and doggie doors to the fluffiest fosters around, by volunteering as Puppy Raisers.

In this “labradorable” volunteer role, Puppy Raisers provide basic training and a loving home to Guide Dogs from around eight weeks of age. This helps the dogs become well-socialised, confident and focused before they start their formal Guide Dog training 12 months later. Puppy Raisers also establish good toileting, feeding, sleeping and walking routines with these hard-working doggos.

Raisers attend weekly training sessions so the puppy can learn basic skills such as sitting nicely when being groomed, walking nicely on a lead and developing good house manners – all of which sets them up to develop the skills they’ll need to change the life of a person who is blind or has low-vision.

Guide Dogs NSW puppy development manager Karen Hayter said the organisation was looking for people who are home most of the time and can put effort into training and socialising the guide dogs-in-training.

“What you get in return is a life-changing experience and knowing that you’ve positively contributed to your community,” she said.

Puppy Raisers need to have a fully fenced yard, be away from home no more than four hours at a time, have access to a car and be able to attend training days in their local area. They must also be available for information sessions, vet checks and Puppy Pre-School.

While Puppy Raisers are responsible for everyday activities such as grooming, house training and exercising their pups, Guide Dogs provides a strong support network.

“Guide Dogs provides the food, veterinary care, flea and tick prevention and you will have a dedicated Puppy Development Adviser on hand to answer any questions and provide guidance to our Puppy Raisers,” Hayter said.

It takes over two years and costs $50,000 to breed, raise and train each Guide Dog. Guide Dogs are then provided at no cost to those who need them. Find out more or apply to become a Puppy Raiser on the Guide Dogs website.