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01283 219761
Are you a dog lover? Do you have the time to help raise a life-changing puppy? Would you like to make a difference to someone's life? If you've answered yes to these questions, then this role could be perfect for you!
Location
You will look after the puppy at home, but will need to travel to Guide Dogs Nottingham (NG8 6BA) when required
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 - contact Guide Dogs for full details
What will you be doing?
The Puppy Raiser volunteer role is a full-time and long-term volunteering role; providing our puppy, from about the age of seven weeks until between 12-16 months, with the early stages of socialisation and education in to becoming a Guide Dog; after this period, the puppy will then head off to one of our training centres to begin their specialised training.
You will need to care for, feed and train the puppy, which is very time consuming, particularly when they are young, our puppies cannot be left on their own for more than three hours; with the training, you will be expected to teach basic obedience commands, including when the puppy goes to the toilet and you will need to provide a suitable outside area (ideally gravel or pavement) where the puppy can go to the toilet. You will also need to familiarise the puppy to different environments, people, sounds and situations.
What skills are required?
Guide Dogs are looking for people with a loving home with enough time to invest in raising a puppy and attending to their needs (e.g. toilet training) and a safe secure area outside for your puppy to go to the toilet. If you work from home or have hobbies, you'll need to be available to give the puppy regular attention alongside these.
Good at communication and excellent interpersonal, also having experience with dogs is a great advantage but not a requirement.
Able to physically able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg).
Access to a car, so that you can get your puppy used to travelling.
Is training provided?
Yes
Additional important information
There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss.
Apply now....
For further information on this opportunity call 01283 219761 or email volunteer@sdcvs.org.uk
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