Service Dog Training

But, for those outside the areas, you’ll meet virtually with a Southeastern Guide Dogs regional manager using Zoom for one-on-one learning sessions, whenever works best for you.

“You may also be asked to record and send videos demonstrating your puppy’s skills, so you should be comfortable using technology as a communication tool,” the group said. (Remote puppy raisers may also be asked to attend local dog obedience classes.)

When the time is up, volunteers will have to give the puppies back, but they will do so with the knowledge that those dogs will go on to get the in-depth training they need to become a certified service or therapy dog, and then go on to help someone who truly needs them.

To qualify to become a volunteer puppy raiser, you must be 18 years old, be able to financially support a puppy (the organization takes care of vet bills but you take care of the rest), be able to travel to Florida to pick up the pup, have a safe home environment, and be able to take the dog everywhere with you over the next year. Oh, and be willing to give plenty of belly rubs.