We talk about puppy raising a lot! It is such an integral part of the work we do here at GDD that it is almost impossible not to. But, if you are not familiar with exactly what puppy raising is, you may have some questions. So, we’re here to clear that up for you!

What is puppy raising exactly?
Puppy raising is a type of volunteerism with Guide Dogs of the Desert. Volunteer puppy raisers welcome a young puppy into their home and provide them with love, care and training until they are approximately 18 months old. At that time the puppies return to the Guide Dogs of the Desert campus where they take the next steps in their training to become a guide dog.

What do you do as a puppy raiser? 
While a puppy is in your care you provide them with the love, training and guidance needed to be able to later able to receive training to become a guide dog. This can include things like teaching them basic obedience, house manners, and how to behave appropriately when they are out and about. Puppies usually come with you when you go out, so that they can take the opportunity to learn all there is! GDD puppy raisers host regular check in meetings via zoom, training classes at our campus and even schedule times to come and visit you and your pup at your home to offer one on one support!

Can I choose what kind of puppy I get?
We do our best to try and match people with the breed and sex of dog they would prefer but depending on the dogs available we are not always able to accommodate every request.

I’ve never done something like this- I’d need some help to get started.
Don’t worry- we got it covered! Our puppy trainers offer training support both on campus and in your home. We have a team behind you every step of the way to guide you as you prepare your puppy for their future career!

What cost is associated with puppy raising?
Puppy raisers are asked to provide the food needed to care for your puppy while they are with you. GDD provides the rest! All essential supplies, medical care etc are all costs taken care of by Guide Dogs of the Desert.

Do puppy raisers pay to have their dogs groomed?
Grooming and bathing is provided for free on campus.  You are welcome to bring the dog to an outside groomer at your own expense.

Can I take my puppy places with me?
Absolutely!  Puppies need to experience anything and everything so as long as the puppy is comfortable going new places we are happy to have them explore.

Can I raise a puppy if I have pets or kids?
Absolutely! Guide dogs live in all kinds of home environments: houses, apartments, with pets, kids, families etc. It is vital that our puppies experience these diverse types of environments so that they are able to adjust to home life with their handler later on.

I don’t know that I could give up a puppy that I’ve spent that much time with. How do you do it?
We know that sending a puppy off to become a guide dog is not an easy thing. But it is not without reward, celebration and recognition. Recognition for the hard work that is accomplished. Celebration for their (and your) success. It is also not without gratitude and appreciation. This part of the journey is difficult, but it also comes with the knowledge that you have taken the next step in changing the life of someone else. You have set a puppy up to go and make a difference in the world, where they are needed. And, you simply can’t replace that! You have a community of people surrounding you who have experienced this exact same thing and are there to support you as you learn to process this aspect of raising a puppy.

Do all puppies become guide dogs?
Simply put, no they don’t. Puppies in our program return to GDD where they are assessed to see if being a guide dog is the right job for them. Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn’t. It is largely up to that puppy to decide if this is a job they enjoy. We don’t ask a dog to become a guide dog if it is not a job that they would love to do.