Puppy Raising

Our canine heroes need the attention and care of volunteers when growing up. This is the period we call puppy raising and the brave people who let our pups chew up their slippers are called puppy raisers. Anyone who loves dogs can become one, you or someone you know, so keep reading...

A puppy in raising is not a pet...

although it often seems that way. A puppy in raising needs a unique combination of LOVE and DISCIPLINE. By "discipline" we mostly refer to the discipline of the puppy raisers and their families and after that, the pups. Dogs have much smaller problems with discipline than humans. While pets can be fed from your table or given way too many treats, this is not allowed with puppies in raising. Dog treats are later used as a motivation in training and a spoiled puppy will not be able to learn. There are also many unusual requirements. For example, it is necessary to understand that assistance dogs are not guard dogs and any signs of aggression will disqualify them from training. Therefore, we stress the importance of good behavior in strange environments, confident and easy behavior while traveling or when in contact with children and other dogs.

The What Abouts of Puppy Raising

• Puppy must live inside the home and go outside for toilet.
• Young puppies must be under control all day.
• Puppy raiser must take the puppy to several training sessions if needed or requested.
• Puppy raiser must keep records about the puppy's daily life, health and development in accordance with Helping Paws requirements and stay in touch.
• The puppy raiser will have to pay part of the expenses needed for puppy raising. Helping Paws can help providing food and veterinary care, but there still will be additional costs we are unable to cover.
• Puppy must be fed in accordance with Helping Paws specifications only.
• Puppy can be let off leash only in a completely safe environment.
• Puppy raised should find a "puppy friend" - person who will come over for weekly visits, help socialize the puppy and take care of it should the puppy raiser need it - be a friend to the puppy.
• All puppy raisers should be at least 18 years old or have the full support of their family.
• The puppy raiser must return the puppy to Helping Paws upon request.
• Puppy in raising should be the only young dog (under 12 months) in the family of the volunteer.

However, neither the puppy raising nor the training itself are boring routines. Proof? While helping, our dogs are constantly wagging their tails! Our dogs ENJOY all these activities, for them it´s much like play - and play is their favorite thing to do, right after sleeping and eating.

Ultimately, we need our puppy raisers to be Czech speaking and in the Czech Republic, but if you are interested, consider contacting an assistance dog provider in your country.