Puppy Training Volunteer (10 wanted!)

How to apply

See the information below to find out if it's the right role for you. Apply here: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering-for-guide-dogs/apply-for-a-role?q=BT1%202DX

To be eligible for this role you must be a maximum of 30 minutes away by car from our centre vets at Cedar Mount and Cedar Grove, Belfast

Is this volunteering role right for me?

This is a full-time volunteering role, as our puppy would live with you in your home, where you will be providing a vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog!

You must be aged over 18 and be able to confidently handle the dog as its strength grows. You need suitable housing and must be able to give the time, commitment and love a puppy deserves.

What does Puppy Walking involve?

Puppy Walkers play a vital role in the early socialisation and education of guide dogs. At about seven weeks of age, puppies start their early training, remaining with you until between 12-16 months of age. They then head off to a training centre to begin their specialised training.

• You will need to care for, feed and train the puppy. This is very time consuming and - particularly when young - our puppies cannot be left on their own for more than three hours.
• You will be expected to teach basic obedience commands and you will need a suitable outside area (ideally gravel or pavement) where the puppy can go to the toilet.
• The puppy must be familiarised with different environments and you will be expected to introduce the puppy to different people, sounds and situations.

Regular visits and support

Volunteer puppy walkers receive regular visits from their puppy training supervisors and these visits are normally carried out every four to six weeks, although new puppy walkers are visited more frequently.

These visits are for both Guide Dogs and the volunteer to check in and discuss the puppy’s progress. It also gives you an opportunity to raise any concerns you may have. The puppy training supervisor will monitor the puppy’s health, care, socialisation and educational development, and offer you a great deal of support in many areas.

Insurance

Whilst we carry full public liability insurance for any injury or accidents that might be caused by our dogs, we will not carry out property insurance for our volunteers.
Puppies, by their very nature, can cause damage in the home unless they are carefully supervised. As a puppy walking volunteer, you would be expected to teach the puppy how to behave within your home. Our staff will provide advice and equipment to prevent damage to the home.

The vet

Guide Dogs will pay all veterinary expenses whilst the puppy is in your care.

It is vital that you have access to a local veterinary practice with 24-hour cover which is close enough to be reached quickly in an emergency.

Vaccinations

Before arriving at your home, the puppy will be vaccinated with the appropriate vaccine covering all the major diseases. Our vaccination policy was drawn up under the guidance of our veterinary advisers and your puppy training supervisor will keep you up to date with vaccinations that may later be due.

Worming

All our puppies are given treatment against roundworms before they arrive at your home and they are wormed again at two, three and six months of age. Your puppy training supervisor will provide the medication, together with instructions on how to give the treatment as well as general advice.

Neutering and season

It is Guide Dogs’ policy to neuter all dogs other than active breeding stock. Timing will depend on the puppy but males are usually castrated between eight and nine months of age. The operation will normally be carried out by your chosen vet and the puppy will recuperate at home.

Females are normally spayed following their first season, which can occur any time after six months of age. If the season happens whilst still being puppy walked, it is far better to leave a bitch with you for the duration of her season (about three weeks) wherever possible.

Your puppy training supervisor will be able to answer any questions you may have.