Raise a Puppy
Puppy Raisers take our pups at about eight weeks of age, love and care for them, participate in weekly socialization and training activities at the Fidelco training center and then, when the pups are approximately 14 to 16 months old, return them to us for formal guide dog training.
Thousands of families and individuals have participated in the Fidelco volunteer puppy raiser program over the years. They expose the pup to a wide variety of experiences in the home, on the street and in the world at large - the very things that the dogs will be required to handle as a guide for someone who is blind or visually impaired. The payback is immeasurable.
TESTIMONIALS
Fidelco puppy raisers are the first, important influence in the lives of our Fidelco pups. Without their love, dedication and patience, we could not produce the quality of guide dog that is a hallmark of Fidelco. Meet some of our puppy raisers and learn more about these marvelous people and their invaluable contributions to Fidelco and our clients in their testimonials.
FAQ
Taking an eight-week old Fidelco puppy into the home is both thrilling and nerve-wracking (at least for the first few days). Here are some frequently-asked questions about becoming a Fidelco puppy raiser.