Independence Guide Dog puppies are bred for temperament, intelligence and trainability. As young pups, socialization and basic obedience are crucial to development and preparation for the pup’s formal training. Guide dog puppies require specific training and socialization activities. In addition, some restrictions apply to guide dog puppies that would not necessarily be of concern when raising a family pet. Following is a basic outline of puppy raiser responsibilities.

Training and Socialization Guidelines: All puppy raisers are expected to follow IGD’s training and socialization guidelines and use designated commands.

Crates: All IGD puppies must be crate trained.

Housebreaking: Since IGD puppies are placed at just 8 weeks old, housebreaking must be taught by the puppy raiser family.

Basic Obedience: Puppy raisers are expected to teach basic obedience skills such as sit, down, stay, leave it, as well as other basic skills that provide the foundation for formal guide dog training.

House Manners: IGD puppies must have good house manners. They should not be allowed to beg and cannot be allowed on furniture.

Exposure: IGD puppies must be exposed to a wide variety of experiences to help build their confidence and ensure they are relaxed and steady. Such experiences include exposure to children, visiting stores and restaurants, maneuvering through busy town areas, and walking by other dogs. If possible, it is advantageous to bring you puppy to work to help it learn office etiquette. IGD will assist you with understanding how to expose your pup to various experiences and at what age.

Healthcare: Puppy raisers are expected to ensure their puppy is cared for in accordance with IGD guidelines including vaccinations, monthly maintenance and regular check ups. Any health issues must be reported to IGD staff and regular communication regarding the pup’s health is expected.

Communication: An essential component of a successful puppy raising experience is communication. Timely notification of any issues or concerns will enable us to provide assistance and help rectify the issue.