DFW PupPy Raisers

 

FULL-TIME PUPPY RAISER:

Volunteer Puppy Raisers live and work with a service dog in training in their homes for an extended period. Puppy Raisers are instrumental in teaching our service dogs in training how to live in a house or apartment environment, how to go on daily errands, and potentially go to work with their Raiser.

Become a DFW Puppy Raiser!

Before you decide to commit to our program you may want to consider the following:

  • At least 18-years-old to be primary handler; under 18 may assist a legal guardian.
  • Understanding that this is a family commitment, and everyone in the family needs to be involved in the welfare of the dog.
  • There shall be no more than 2 personal dogs per household (sitting or raising dog would equal 3 dogs in the home).
  • Permission from landlord for dog to reside in rental unit.
  • Allow a Puppy Raiser Coordinator to perform a work and/or home check.
  • Attend a Patriot PAWS volunteer orientation.
  • Attend training classes at our Rockwall campus.
  • Attend monthly group outings around the Dallas metro.
  • Follow the training guidelines given by Patriot PAWS.
  • Teach the dog good house manners.
  • Return the dog to the Rockwall campus as instructed by the trainers for movement or veterinary care.
  • Service dog applicants are welcome to attend classes and outings to gain insight and hands-on experience but will not be able to puppy raise or sit.

Additional requirements include:

  • Be willing and able (with supervisor permission) to take dog into work if working full-time away from the house.
  • Attend weekly one-on-ones with a Puppy Raiser Coordinator to work on cues.
  • Go on regular outings with your dog for socialization (i.e. shopping, work, family outings, etc).

Please remember that puppy raising is a donation of your time, energy, and service. We at Patriot PAWS appreciate your dedication to our program.

Email us for additional information at [email protected]

Become a Weekend Puppy Sitter!

Patriot PAWS also offers a part-time volunteer opportunity titled “Sitters.” These Sitters care for our Service Dogs-in-training when full-time Puppy Raisers are unavailable, such as on weekends or vacations. Stays may last from just a few days to a couple of weeks.

As a Sitter, you’ll still attend training classes and monthly outings, but your involvement is temporary. Because these sitters do not have public access privileges, the dogs will not be sent home with a Patriot PAWS vest.

This is an ideal option for those who want to support our mission without committing to full-time care or bringing a dog to a full-time job. The dogs you’ll watch may range in age from 3 months to 2 years.

For more information, please email us at pptrainers@patriotpaws.org.

Meet our Training Outreach Coordinator!

 

Cleo Crouch

Training Outreach Coordinator

Howdy!

I wanted to introduce myself to you all as the Training Outreach Coordinator. I was previously a volunteer puppy raiser myself at A&M and I can confidently say that puppy raising changed my life for the better! I am so passionate about this program and improving the lives of veterans with these Service Dogs! I cannot wait to meet you all, please reach out with any questions you may have! [email protected]

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