
puppy raising programs
Puppy raising programs train young dogs, typically around 8 weeks to 6 months old, to become assistance animals, service dogs, or therapy animals. Volunteers, often referred to as puppy raisers, take these puppies into their homes and introduce them to various environments, social situations, and basic commands. This socialization and training help the puppies develop the skills and temperament needed for their future roles. After several months, the puppies return to the organization for advanced training, where they learn specialized tasks to assist individuals with disabilities or provide emotional support.