Puppy Raisers

When our puppies are 8-16 weeks old, they are fostered in our carefully selected puppy raiser homes (foster families). While fostered, they learn basic obedience and good manners, and are properly socialized. In addition to learning good house behaviors, puppies need to be exposed to a variety of situations, places and people. Our puppies live with their surrogate families for 12 to 18 months before returning to our school for formal training to become Autism Assistance Canines.

Guidance and Support for Puppy Raisers
We work hard to ensure that every puppy raiser has a successful volunteer experience. In addition to receiving comprehensive instructional materials, raisers benefit from expert guidance. Our professional staff work closely with all our puppy raisers and provide ongoing training, direct communication, guidance and support.

There are regular meetings where puppy raisers gather to share ideas and information, work on puppy training techniques and participate in socialization outings. Finally, raisers are invited to attend their dogs' graduation ceremonies, and formally present the dogs they have nurtured to their new families. Graduation affords us a venue in which to recognize the hard work and dedication of our puppy raisers.

> Want to be a puppy raiser?- click here to submit a request form.