Volunteer with Dogs: Puppy Raising

Are you ready to raise a puppy who will one day change someones life?

Guide Dogs Queensland is seeking compassionate, patient, and responsible volunteers to join our Puppy Raising Program. As a Puppy Raiser, you will play a vital role in the early development of a future Guide Dog, supporting their journey from a ten week old puppy into a confident trusted companion.

This unique experience is incredibly rewardingfor individuals, couples, and even familiesand offers all the joy of puppy companionship, with full training and support provided.

**What You'll Do:**

* Raise and care for a Guide Dog puppy full-time for approximately 6-12 months
* Support the pups development through daily training, socialisation, and routine
* Attend weekday training sessions and puppy outings
* Establish and maintain basic obedience, good house manners, and safe behaviours
* Incorporate socialisation into daily lifesuch as car trips, school pickups, or walks in new environments
* Follow all guidelines for the health, safety, and behavioural development of the pup

**What's Required:**

* Are over 18 years old, have a full drivers licence and 24/7 access to a vehicle
* You live within 60 minutes of our training facility in Bald Hills, north of Brisbane
* A secure, dog friendly home environment
* Commitment to include the pup in your daily routine (they cant be left alone for more than four hours)
* Physical ability to manage a growing dog (up to 3040kg) and perform care tasks
* Ability to attend regular training sessions during weekday business hours
* Willingness to follow Guide Dogs Queenslands training techniques, even if different from personal experience
* A household where all members are supportive of the program and prepared to follow consistent puppy raising guidelines
* A commitment to the wellbeing and safety of the pup in all environments
* Reliable internet access for communications and online learning

*Please note you do not need prior dog experienceour team will provide all training and support.*

**We Provide:**

* All food, equipment, and veterinary costs
* Full support and regular training / development sessions
* A strong community of fellow Puppy Raisers
* Updates on the pups journey and potential graduation as a working Guide Dog

**Why Raise a Puppy for Guide Dogs Queensland?**
Puppy Raising is an incredibly rewarding experience. While saying goodbye can be emotional, you'll have the lifelong pride of knowing you helped transform a puppy into a trusted partner for someone with low or no vision.

Together, we can change livesone paw at a time.

** Category **
Disability Services

** Commitment **
Regular - more than 6 months

** Type Of Work **
Disability Support,Working with Animals,

** Time Required **
You will have the pup in your home for up to 6 months at a time.

** Training **
You will undergo a handling session at our Bald Hills training facility, and also be invited to regular classes and sessions with your puppy educator to ensure you feel supported to complete your volunteer role.