top of page
01283 219761
Help shape the future of our life-changing assistance dogs by becoming a Puppy Training volunteer! You’ll play a key role in raising and nurturing a young pup as they begin their journey to transform lives.
Location
The puppy will live with you at your home in Derbyshire. or ideally with-in 45 minutes of DE post code.
Is the location accessible for those with physical disabilities or limited mobility?
Yes
Is the location accessible by public transport?
Yes
When?
Could this role be carried out virtually or through a hybrid volunteering model?
No
Is a criminal record check (DBS) required for this role?
No
Is a driving license required?
Yes
Are expenses covered?
Yes, TRAVEL only.
What will you be doing?
You will need to be available for and attend training sessions, during the working week. This can involve:
• Home visits
• Veterinary or physiotherapy visits
• Virtual online training
• One-to-ones in the community
• Group sessions in the community
• Regular group puppy training classes
You will need to attend regular visits within your local community to various environments to carefully expose the puppy to the following conditions, under the direction of your Puppy Training Coordinator, to socialise them: residential areas, busy town environments, car travel, public transport, children, cats, other dogs (different breeds), and other domestic animals.
With the guidance, support, and advice from our expert trainers, you will be taught the fundamentals of puppy socialisation as well as simple cues and exercises. For example:
• Identifying the dogs’ needs
• Home behaviour
• Social behaviour
• Walking on a lead
• Off lead exercise
• General obedience
You will need to maintain the dog’s health and welfare by following guidance from the Puppy Training Coordinator and report any concerns immediately.
What skills are required?
- You will need to reside in a house/bungalow/ground floor flat with a dog friendly secure garden (non-shared) NB We are unable to accept a townhouse for puppies under the age of 6 months due to health and safety risks to the volunteer and puppy.
- If you are a dog owner, with up to two pet dogs of suitable temperament, as assessed during the home check, you are welcome to apply. They must be over 18 months of age and have lived within the home for at least six months.
- You will need to be at home for most of the day, able to engage with your Puppy Training Coordinator, and live within the boundaries of the Puppy Training Region.
- You need to have the Time to provide the puppy with the socialisation and education it needs to prepare it for assistance dog training.
- You will need the Stamina to manage a young active puppy / dog.
- You will need Access to a car, so that you can train the puppy to be comfortable whilst travelling, to travel to veterinary appointments, classes, and training locations on a regular basis.
- Be mindful that the dog in your care remains under the ownership of Canine Partners, and as such advice from Canine Partners’ representatives should be followed.
Is training provided?
Yes
Additional important information
Support and Training
- Induction process which includes submitting of an information form, telephone interview, home visit, training, and handling sessions
- Each volunteer is allocated a Canine Partners Puppy Training Coordinator as their first point of contact.
- Receive regular training, resources, and other essential information via your Puppy Training Coordinator, this may be in the format of verbal instructions, physical copies, digital instructions, video, and webinar resources or in person.
- No previous dog ownership experience is needed but you must meet the criteria listed above to be considered.
- Holiday cover and appointments cover can be arranged.
- Payment of expenditure such as mileage to and from a training session with a Canine Partner representative
- Access to our volunteer portal with many resources for your use.
- Invitation to join our Official Canine Partners Community Facebook Group
Apply now....
For further information on this opportunity call 01283 219761 or email volunteer@sdcvs.org.uk
bottom of page