Jill (left) with son Ansel    

Steps to Becoming A Puppy Raiser


  • Attend classes to understand the commitment involved with puppy raising and to develop guide dog puppy handling skills;
  • View videos loaned out by the Area Coordinator (Audrey to Merlin, Raising a GEB pup, Dateline Program, and pre-puppy placement);
  • Read the GEB Puppy Raiser's Manual (provided to potential puppy raisers at the third class they attend);
  • After attending a minimum of three classes, schedule a home visit with the Area Coordinator.  All members of the household are encouraged to be present during the visit and to ask questions;
  • Puppy sit a young or adolescent guide dog puppy for a short visit (typically 3 days / 2 nights) and continue to build puppy handling skills;

Yellow lab snuggles with raiser


  • Formalize commitment paperwork and review puppy packet information.  Continue attending as many classes that you are able to while waiting for your new arrival;  
  • Be ready for the call to alert you that your special guide dog puppy has passed his/her testing and will soon be coming down from the GEB Canine Development Center;

  • Puppy placement by Area Coordinator and weekly follow up contact for support;
  • Meet with the vaccine giver as scheduled;
  • Attend classes and quarterly evaluations;
  • ENJOY RAISING A PUPPY WITH A SPECIAL PURPOSE!

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