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At Canine Companions
for Independence, our pups have a very special
destiny - to assist a person with a disability in
leading a more fulfilling and independent life. For
these puppies to achieve their potential, they must
grow up in a loving environment and be exposed to a
variety of stimulating experiences. That is why we
need you! The Puppy Raising program provides a
unique opportunity for volunteers to help create a
meaningful change in someone’s life.
The Basics 
CCI
puppies are raised by volunteers from 8 weeks of age until they are
about 13 to 18 months old. It is the Puppy Raiser's responsibility
to provide house training, teach basic obedience skills, attend
puppy training classes, and provide basic necessities such as food,
shelter, veterinary care, discipline and, of course, lots of love
and attention! Many Puppy Raisers bring their puppies with them to
work, to do grocery shopping, or even make a doctor’s visit. This
helps the dog become accustomed to various activities such as riding
in a car, waiting patiently under a desk, or staying calm in an
active environment.
Advanced Training
Puppy
Raisers ensure that puppies are socialized and well mannered. At
approximately 16 months, the puppies are returned to the training
center for Advanced Training, which lasts six to nine months. When
the dogs are fully prepared, trainers carefully match them with
prospective recipients during Team Training.
Graduation
At
Graduation, Puppy Raisers have the opportunity to meet the graduate
that will receive the puppy they've raised and pass the leash to a
new graduate.
Making a Difference
There
are about 900 Puppy Raisers in the United States. Every rewarding
hour spent training and playing with a puppy lays the foundation for
a stable, dependable, trustworthy companion for a person with a
disability.
CCI
Puppy
raisers agree to the following:
-
Puppy
must live indoors, and sleep in a crate
-
Young
puppies must be supervised throughout the day
-
Puppy
raiser is required to attend approved puppy training classes
-
Puppy
raiser family shall pay veterinary, feeding and transportation
costs to and from the CCI facility
-
Puppy
is to be fed according to CCI specifications
-
Puppy
shall live with puppy raiser until 13-18 months of age
-
Visits
to puppy raiser family’s residence by CCI representative may occur
periodically with reasonable prior notice given
-
Family/raiser agrees to return puppy upon request
-
Should
boarding become necessary, the CCI puppy must be housed in an
approved kennel
-
Puppy
raiser’s age requirements shall be determined by CCI
representative. Puppy raisers under the age of 18 need a parent or
guardian to participate as co-puppy raisers
-
The
CCI puppy should be the only young puppy (12 months and under) in
the household
If you are interested in making miracles come true by
raising a CCI puppy, you can call us locally at:
480-659-9056 or visit
CCI on line at
www.cci.org
or call 1-800-572-BARK |
