Raising Guide Dogs

Have you ever considered different ways to give back to society? Are you good at training dogs? If you want to help those less fortunate, raising a guide-dog puppy is a great way to give back.

Breeds of dogs that are known for their instinctual compassion, mild temperament, and intelligence are specially trained to help guide the blind. While still a pup, to young yet to be trained for their very important duty, they live with foster families where they are nurtured for 12 to 18 months until he/she is ready to receive formal service training.

In order to be a foster parent to a young pup that is in the Seeing Eye dog program there are a few things you should ask yourself first.

Are you available to make a major time commitment to the puppy?
Once trained to be a Seeing Eye dog, the dog will be a constant companion for its owner. It is an important part of its rearing to be with a companion at all times during waking hours.

Do you already own a dog?
If you already have a dog then you have experience in dealing with doggie behaviors. It can be another advantage with the rearing of a Seeing Eye dog if there is another dog in the home. It will help the puppy learn how to socialize with other dogs.

Do you have children?
Having children can be an added benefit, especially if the Seeing Eye dog will be trained for a child owner. It can also help teach your children responsibilities. However, at the same time it can be difficult for children to deal with the temporary status of the puppy in the home. They have to understand that the rearing of the puppy is only part of the Seeing Eye dogs’ path and that when the dog reaches the trainable age, they will have to say goodbye.

If you are interested in becoming a foster home to a future Seeing Eye dog find a local puppy raising program through the International Guide Dog Federation (ifgdsb.org.uk). After interviewing, be prepared to wait for up to a year to receive a puppy depending on the breed of dog you chose. When it comes your time to receive a puppy, you will be given the opportunity to pick from several to find a good fit.

During the waiting period you may be required to attend training classes or monthly meetings to gain a better understanding of what your responsibilities will entail. Even though attendance isn’t required, it is highly recommended. If you have never been to a dog obedience class, you may also want to attend that as well to educate yourself on how to raise an obedient puppy.

Your puppy will be between 7 to 8 weeks of age when you receive him or her. Initiate socialization immediately. Formal group training sessions are crucial to the proper development of your foster puppy. Frequent outings to public places are also important in the early socialization training that your puppy will need in order to be a great Seeing Eye dog. Not every dog after being fostered will make the cut to become a Seeing Eye dog, so your job is very important to insure it makes it to its very important role. Those dogs that do not make the cut are offered back to the family that fostered tem or to law enforcement organizations. Those not accepted through either situation are then put up for adoption. For those looking to adopt a dog who is sweet natured and bypass the puppy era, these make for great pets.


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