Puppy Raising

Puppy Raising is an essential foundation for a pup’s future success as a Guide or Assistance Dog helping them with their first steps of training, so they are well-mannered and socialised. This full-time volunteer role involves a pup living in your home from 9 weeks up to 14 months old.

Our community of Puppy Raisers come from all walks of life - whether you work from home, have hybrid working arrangements, have children or animals or are retired you can get involved. No experience of training dogs is necessary. The most important requirement is that you are dedicated to caring and teaching a puppy, under the guidance of one of our Puppy Raising Supervisors.

On-going support and training are provided with veterinary fees, puppy raising equipment and food covered by IGDB. We will also introduce you to other Puppy Raisers in your area which can provide a friendly support group as you progress with your pup.

At approximately 14 months old a pup moves back to our Training Centre where the next stage of their journey to graduating as a Guide, Assistance or Community Dog begins with our highly skilled trainers.

"You meet so many people through the organisation and walking with the dog. You have the fun and joy of a puppy in the house, but you know when you say goodbye that someone who needs a dog will be so happy to get them. It really gives your life purpose.” Zita O'Brien, Puppy Raiser

The benefits of being a Puppy Raiser

• The satisfaction that you have had a pivotal role in providing Guide and Assistance Dogs that enable people with a vision impairment or families of a child with autism to enjoy the same freedom and independence as everyone else.

• The challenge and reward of seeing a puppy develop in your home.

• The opportunity to learn new dog training skills from our Puppy Raising Supervisors.

Find out what is involved in puppy raising by following the journey of Pup Keano and his Puppy Raiser Clare. Click here.

Upcoming FREE Information Webinar

Join our online information sessions to find out more:

• Wednesday, 22 January at 1pm

• Wednesday, 5 February at 1pm

To register to attend a webinar or to express interest in finding out more about puppy raising, please submit your details below.