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.
- Shadow established Puppy Raiser teams to gain handling experience.
- 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 pptrainers@patriotpaws.org
Become a Weekend Puppy Sitter!
Patriot PAWS also has sitters who watch our service dogs in training over weekends or during full-time raisers’ vacations. Dog stays range from a couple of days over the weekend or a week or two at a time. These volunteer sitters still attend classes and the monthly outings, but only have a dog temporarily. Sitting dogs are not given public access (i.e. the dog will not be sent home with a Patriot PAWS vest.) This is a good option for those who do not want the full-time commitment or cannot take a dog to their full-time job. Dog ages will range from 3 to 4 months to 2 years.
Email us for additional information at pptrainers@patriotpaws.org
Meet our DFW Puppy Raiser Coordinator!
Lauren Villanueva
Trainer / Puppy Raiser Coordinator
Howdy!
I want to introduce myself as the Puppy Raiser Coordinator for the DFW area. With two years of experience as a full-time trainer at Patriot PAWS and an additional two years as a raiser at Aggieland, I’m passionate about the process of training these incredible dogs. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to help others learn how to interact with and improve the skills of these service animals.
Thank you for your interest in our Puppy Raiser Program. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
