FAQ’s
How often does the group meet?
The group meets every Tuesday evening. Puppies less than 5 months of age need to meet every week; older puppies meet twice per month. Please check our club calendar for dates, times, and locations.
Will I be expected to attend all meetings?
All raisers and puppy sitters should plan on attending the meetings. Raisers with puppies younger than 5 months old should plan on meeting every week. Occasional absences for things like vacations or family emergencies can be made, but should be coordinated with a leader.
What breeds are used as Guide Dogs?
Guide Dogs for the Blind breeds and uses Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Lab/Golden crosses. Seventy percent of the pups are Labs. A raiser may not specify a breed.
How long does a raiser keep a puppy?
A raiser receives their pup at 8 weeks of age and raises it until it is 15-20 months old. The puppy then returns to campus at San Rafael, California or Boring, Oregon for formal guide work training.
How long would it take for me to get a puppy?
Depending upon circumstances, such as litter availability and raiser/home approval, it can take 2-5 months to receive a puppy. Puppies arrive to Colorado raisers either via the scheduled puppy truck (during warm months) or by airplane.
What would I need to provide for the puppy; what would Guide Dogs provide?
A raiser is responsible for providing feeding bowls, food, toys, and grooming tools. Guide Dogs for the Blind will provide a working puppy vest, two sizes of collars with identification, two leashes, ear cleaner, tooth paste and brush, flea and heartworm medication and all paperwork connected with the puppy, including a Puppy Raising Manual. Guide Dogs for the Blind also provides for medical expenses during the time the pup is in a raiser’s home.
If I want to apply to raise a puppy, what do I do?
To learn more about becoming a puppy raiser, visit the Guide Dogs for the Blind Puppy Raising page. To join our puppy raising club, the application process is as follows:
- A potential raiser must attend 3 consecutive meetings of the group including field trip, puppy meeting, and obedience training.
- The potential raiser then receives an application and a Puppy Raising Manual from a leader.
- Leaders will then conduct a home/yard inspection interview of potential raiser’s home.
- The application is then submitted to our Guide Dog Advisor.
- Upon approval, the raiser will be expected to attend all meetings and be available for puppy sitting within the group for the waiting period before receiving their puppy.
To obtain the name and phone number of the contact person in our group, you can call Guide Dogs For The Blind at 800-295-4050 and ask for puppy raising, or fill out:
