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PUPPY RAISERS

Why raise an ASDA puppy? Your first answer might be, “because puppies are so cuddly, adorable and fun!” And you’re right—puppies are terribly cute, and raising an ASDA puppy is a lot of fun. But raising a future service dog also takes time, patience and commitment. Our volunteers all share one trait in common: they are willing to devote the time, energy and love necessary to socialize a puppy.

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Carefully-selected puppy raisers ensure that ASDA dogs are properly socialized and well-mannered. The dogs need exposure to all types of people and all kinds of environments, active as well as quiet. Puppies need stimulation, rest, and patient handling. The puppy raisers goal is to raise an energetic and curious pup into a mature, dependable dog.

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Although there is a lot of work involved in raising an ASDA puppy, the rewards are tremendous. By raising an ASDA puppy, you have made a huge difference in the quality of life for a child with autism and his or her family.

Puppy raisers must be able to commit to attending obedience training classes with an ASDA trainer the first weekend of the month from 10:30 to 12:30. Social outings are also part of the weekend meetings. We take the puppies to the local mall, movie theatre and or restaurants and parks.

ASDA trainers interview potential puppy raisers in their homes. We want to know that all members of the household are committed to the puppy and that a safe and secure environment will be provided. Puppies need to be supervised throughout the day and must live and sleep indoors. You must submit an application for approval and attend preliminary club meetings. Once accepted, you must use ASDA training and management techniques, be a positive representative of ASDA within the community, and you are required to release the puppy back to ASDA at the organization’s request.

Before you consider if puppy-raising is right for you, there are some important questions to consider. If you can answer “yes” then you may become a valued ASDA puppy-raiser!

Questions to ask yourself:

  • Are you patient and consistent with animals?

  • Can you make a 12-18 month commitment to raising a puppy?

  • Can you invest time every day to the puppy?

  • Are you home during the day? (Puppies cannot be crated more than 4 hours at a time)

  • If you aren’t home during the day, will you take the puppy to work, school etc.?

  • Are you willing to follow the instructions of ASDA trainers?

  • Are you committed to making the puppy a member of your family?

Interested?

 

Fill out the following application and send it back in to be considered! We are always looking for more Puppy Raisers from a variety of backgrounds. 

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