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Volunteer Role: Puppy Starter

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

Puppy Starter

From 8 weeks to 6 months, you would provide a safe, loving home to one of our future Guide Dog puppies. 

This role is best suited to those who enjoy the early stages of a puppy's life. As a Puppy Starter, you’ll help potty train a puppy, build a foundation for obedience training and good manners, and most importantly, start your puppy off on the right “paw” with their socialization. Future Guide Dog puppies will need to attend several veterinary appointments. Their socialization schedule and training will keep you busy as they learn to cope with and navigate various environments, including their first few exposures riding on public transit.

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 from the fourth week until the puppy moves onto a Puppy Raising Finisher
  • 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: 
  • Approx. 4 months
  • Availability during business hours to attend training sessions in various locations
Locations:
  • Calgary, AB 
  • Halifax, NS
  • Regina, SK
  • Toronto, ON (East of Bathurst St, and South of Highway 407)
  • 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 6-4 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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