Puppy Walkers Are Needed to Raise Guide Dogs

If you love puppies and also want to make a difference in the life of a blind person, then consider signing up for the Puppy Walker program.

Puppy Walkers provide temporary homes for puppies that will later be trained to as guide dogs. When potential guide dogs are only a 7-week-old puppy, they're placed into the care of Puppy Walkers. Not only do Puppy Walkers housebreak their puppies, but they also teach good manner, walk them most everywhere they go, as well as nurture them with love and attention. Then, when the puppies are between 12 and 14 months old, they return them so they can continue their training as guide dogs for a blind people.

Qualifications

Not just anyone who loves puppies qualifies as a Puppy Walker. A few of the criteria for the job include...

*Over 18 years of age-Although children may be involved in the training, the trainer in charge of the puppy must be an adult, 18 years of age or older. And, if you do let your kids work with the puppy, they must agree to all training procedures and be mature for their age.

*Time to devote to the job-It's best if you don't have a fulltime job as your puppy needs to spend as much time with you as possible. However, in some cases, owners have been able to take their pups to work. Several years ago, my friend, Julia P., of South Windsor, Connecticut brought her puppy to work at an insurance company with no problem. Amazingly, her well-behaved puppy sat by her side all day at work and didn't distract the other workers.

Ability to give up the puppy---Just as any good foster parent, a Puppy Walker must be able to surrender his (or her) best friend once the 12-14 month training period is over. If you think you're not able to do this, then it's not a good idea to start the program.

Training

You'll receive on-site training by the Guide Foundation for the Blind. Regular walks in public places such as shopping malls are required. Also, classes are held both during day and evening hours. What's more, you'll get home visits to make sure everything is going well with you and your puppy.

What about Other Pets?

A Future Guide Dog

Credit: commons.wikimedia.Chiot_montagne_des_pyrenees

Copyright: commons.wikimedia.Chiot_montagne_des_pyrenees