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Volunteer Role: Puppy Finisher

CNIB Guide Dogs Logo: A sketch of a dog in harness sitting next to the words "CNIB Guide Dogs".

Puppy Finisher

From approx. 6 months to 12-15 months old, you would provide a safe, loving home to one of our future Guide Dog puppies.

This role is best suited to those who may not be able to commit to those earlier stages of a puppy’s life but would still like to help raise a puppy with purpose. As a Puppy Finisher, you’ll receive a 6-month-old puppy that is likely already toilet trained with most of their routine vaccinations completed. The puppy will have already spent the last 3 – 4 months building positive associations with the world around them, will have a basic understanding of their training, and may be able to settle quietly for up to an hour. 

This includes:
  • Daily socialization in a variety of environments and situations
  • Daily walks on the leash
  • Attending regular training sessions with your Puppy Raising Supervisor during business hours
    • Weekly 1:1 training session in the first 4 weeks with the puppy
    • Monthly 1:1 and group sessions until the puppy moves onto formal training
  • House training and leash relieving
  • Home behaviour training
  • Obedience training
  • Feeding
  • Grooming
  • Taking the puppy for routine veterinary visits
  • Providing updates on the puppy’s progress 
Time Commitment: 
  • 6-9 months
  • Availability during business hours to attend training sessions in various locations
Locations:
  • Calgary, AB 
  • Halifax, NS
  • Regina, SK
  • Toronto, ON (Mississauga East to Oshawa and North to Georgina)
  • GTA (Including Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa and Whitby)
  • Vancouver, BC (Metro Vancouver)
  • Victoria, BC
  • Winnipeg, MB

Currently, we only able to place puppies with volunteers residing in the above locations. 

What we are looking for:
  • People who are relaxed and comfortable around dogs
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage positively with CNIB staff members, fellow volunteers, and community members 
  • Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to maintain a steady daily routine for a puppy or guide dog in training and track their progress
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Flexible schedule, with the ability to dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to a puppy
  • Open-minded and flexible in your dog training and care ideas and willing comply with CNIB Guide Dog training and care methods
  • Dog handling skills are an asset
Home Environment:
  • Your home is located in one of our Puppy Club locations
  • Dogs are permitted in your home
  • You have quick access to a safe and suitable relief area for a puppy, ideally a paved surface
  • All members of your household are happy to have a puppy living in your home for approximately 6-9 months
  • Your home is clean and clutter-free (we can support with puppy-proofing) 
  • All pets in your home, are friendly and fully vaccinated
  • Smoke-free home

As part of the application process, a CNIB Guide Dogs staff member will complete a home assessment to ensure that the home is a suitable environment for a future guide dog.

What we require:
  • You are 18 years of age or older
  • You have access to a vehicle for transportation of a puppy
  • You have access to the internet and an e-mail address
  • You would be able to cope with giving the puppy back at 12-15 months of age when they will enter their formal guide dog training
  • You are able to safely handle a strong, energetic, large breed dog daily for up-to a year
  • You are able to safely take the dog on walks outdoors in all four seasons in varying weather, including winter
  • You are able to frequently take the dog to public places for required socialization
  • You are willing to sign an agreement stating the terms and conditions of the Puppy Raising Program
  • You are willing to complete an Enhanced Police Information Check via our background check partner Sterling Backcheck. All costs are covered by CNIB. 
What we provide: 
  • CNIB Guide Dogs covers the costs of all necessary veterinary care, equipment, and food
  • Individualized support from a Puppy Raising Supervisor
  • Phone and e-mail support during business hours
  • 24-hour emergency line
  • Volunteer boarders are available on occasion for short-term care 
  • Ongoing training, engagement, and learning opportunities with CNIB Guide Dogs
Apply:

If you are interested in becoming a CNIB Guide Dogs volunteer, please fill out the application form to get the process started. 

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