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can also obtain a Free guide dog puppy from these schools to
raise for 18 months. Since the guide dogs have to be well socialized
before being trained for handicap work once they become an adult,
the pups cannot be raised in a kennel environment. For this
reason, guide dog centers commonly seek volunteers (usually
called "puppy raisers") to take in the puppies, provide them
with love, care, basic discipline and lots of socialization.
In fact, puppy raisers are encouraged to take their puppy with
them wherever they go, including the market, in office buildings,
elevators and other public places.
The dog school first screens potential volunteers
during an interview. If you qualify, you are taught some basic
obedience training techniques. You must then sign a contract
that clearly states that the guide center owns the dog and
can take the puppy away if they feel it is being raised improperly.
You get to raise a purebred dog and, in many
cases, receive a discount on expenses, especially medical
needs. Perhaps the greatest benefit, though, is that if your
dog doesn't pass the rigorous training program, you get first
right of refusal on adopting the dog yourself. Of course,
if your dog does qualify for handicap work, you must say good-bye.
Many people find this volunteer work very rewarding, especially
when they formally give the dog to its new handicapped owner
upon the dog's graduation.
Look up Guide
Dog Schools.
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