DFW Puppy Raiser Program
Full-Time Puppy Training
DFW Puppy Raisers: Volunteers who make a lasting impact.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, a dedicated group of volunteers open their homes—and their hearts—to our Purpose Puppies. These Puppy Raisers play a critical role in helping the dogs develop the socializing skills they’ll need to become successful Service Dogs for disabled Veterans. By integrating the puppies into their daily lives, they expose them to different environments, people, and situations, all of which help prepare the dogs for the challenges they’ll face in the real world.
Through consistent guidance, love, and patience, Puppy Raisers build our dogs’ confidence and teach them how to adapt to a variety of situations. Whether it's navigating busy public spaces, riding elevators, or attending community events, these experiences help shape the dogs into well rounded, calm, and reliable companions.
The impact of this journey is far-reaching. For our Puppy Raisers, it's about more than just socializing a dog: it's about knowing they are helping to create a bond that will empower a Veteran to regain independence and confidence.
A Community Effort
The success of the DFW Puppy Raisers Program shows just how powerful a community can be when we all come together. Local businesses, schools, and organizations play a key role in supporting our Puppy Raisers, offering the puppies new and varied experiences as they grow. It's this teamwork that makes sure each dog is ready to step up and serve the unique needs of the Veteran they'll one day help.
Becoming a Puppy Raiser
Joining the DFW Puppy Raisers Program means becoming part of something bigger: a community of people who share a deep commitment to making a real difference. As a Volunteer, you’ll receive all the training and support you need from our Patriot PAWS trainers, so you’ll feel confident guiding your puppy through these crucial first steps.
The commitment isn’t small, but the rewards are beyond words. Watching a puppy grow and knowing you’ve helped shape them into a future companion for a Veteran is an experience that stays with you forever—one that fills your heart with pride and purpose.
Before you make the decision to join our program, here are a few things to consider:
- You must be at least 18 years old to be the primary handler; younger volunteers can assist with a legal guardian’s involvement.
- Puppy raising is a family commitment, and everyone in the household should be involved in caring for the dog.
- Your household can have no more than two personal dogs (raising or sitting a dog counts as a third).
- If you live in a rental, you’ll need landlord permission for the dog to reside with you.
- A Puppy Raiser Coordinator will need to perform a work or home check.
- You’ll need to attend a Patriot PAWS volunteer orientation and training classes at our Rockwall campus.
- Monthly group outings around the Dallas metro area are part of the commitment.
- Following the training guidelines from Patriot PAWS is essential.
- You’ll teach the puppy basic house manners.
- At times, you may be asked to return the puppy to the Rockwall campus for training or veterinary care.
- Service dog applicants are welcome to attend classes and outings to gain insight but cannot puppy raise or sit.
Additional requirements include:
- Taking the dog to work (with supervisor permission) if you work full-time outside of your home.
- Attending weekly one-on-one sessions with your Puppy Raiser Coordinator to work on cues.
- Going on regular outings (such as shopping or family activities) as a key part of the puppy’s development.
Patriot PAWS covers the majority of expenses for our Puppy Raisers, ensuring volunteers can focus on training and socializing future Assistance Dogs without significant financial burden. Specifically, Patriot PAWS provides:
- Dog food
- Kennels
- Training supplies
- Grooming services
- Medical care
- Dog gear (e.g., leashes)
For those unable to commit to full-time raising, Patriot PAWS offers a Puppy Sitter program. Sitters care for Service Dogs-in-Training temporarily, such as over weekends or during full-time Raisers’ vacations.
Puppy raising is a heartfelt donation of your time, energy, and service. We are so grateful for your dedication to our mission.
For more information, please email us at pptrainers@patriotpaws.org.
Become a Weekend Puppy Sitter!
If you're looking for a way to support Patriot PAWS without the full-time commitment, consider becoming a Weekend Puppy Sitter. This part-time volunteer opportunity allows you to care for a Service Dog-in-Training when the full-time Puppy Raisers need a break, whether for a weekend or while they’re on vacation. Your commitment can range from a few days to a couple of weeks.
As a Sitter, you’ll still attend training classes and monthly outings, but your role will be temporary. Please note: since Sitters don't have public access privileges, the dogs will not be sent home with a Patriot PAWS vest.
This is a great way to make a big impact without the need to take on full-time care or bring a dog to a full-time job. The dogs you’ll sit for may be anywhere from 3 months to 2 years old, each with a unique journey toward becoming a life-changing companion for a Veteran.
For more information, please email us at pptrainers@patriotpaws.org.
Cleo Crouch
Training Outreach Coordinator
Meet Our Training Outreach Coordinator
Howdy! I was previously a Volunteer Puppy Raiser myself at Texas 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, so please reach out with any questions you may have at pptrainers@patriotpaws.org!