Puppy Raiser.

Full-Time Puppy Raisers:

Full-time puppy raisers live and work with a service dog in training in their homes for an extended period of time. Before you decide to commit to our program you may want to consider the following:

Puppy Raiser in Training Requirements:

  • 18-years-old to be primary handler; under 18 may assist a legal guardian.
  • 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.

Puppy Raiser Expectations:

  • Attend training classes at our Rockwall campus.
  • Attend monthly group outings around the Dallas metro.
  • Host shadows for new puppy raisers in training.
  • Attend weekly individual training sessions with the Puppy Raiser Coordinators.
  • Maintain records of daily training and monthly goals.
  • Provide a safe, healthy environment.
  • Exercise and train your dog daily.
  • Teach the dog good house manners.
  • Understand that this is a household commitment.
  • Socialize and keep the dog with you as much as possible (work, shopping, family outings, etc.).
  • Willingness to follow the training guidelines given by Patriot PAWS and your Puppy Raiser Coordinators.
  • Return the dog to Patriot PAWS as instructed by the trainers (for dog swaps, training opportunities, medical attention, 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

Weekend Puppy Raisers:

We also have sitters who watch our dogs for us over weekends or during full-time raisers’ vacations. Dog stays range from a couple days over the weekend or a week or two at a time. These 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.

Email us for additional information at pptrainers@patriotpaws.org