This website uses cookies for anonymised analytics and for account authentication. See our privacy and cookies policies for more information.




Volunteer Development Scotland Ltd. (also known as Volunteer Scotland).
Charity registered in Scotland SC013740 and a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland, No. SC106743. Our registered Office is Jubilee House, Forthside Way, Stirling. FK8 1QZ

Sign in to use saved searches

 

Puppy Raisers

Role Description:
We rely on volunteers like you to help us improve the lives of people with sight loss. In this role your support will include:
• Following Guide Dogs Puppy Raising for Excellent Partnerships (PREP) programme, to raise and prepare a puppy to become a guide dog.
• Using our guidelines to care for your puppy e.g., providing sufficient exercise.
• Familiarising a puppy to a wide range of environments.
• Teaching a puppy to be alone by gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of 4 hours.
• Attending regular puppy classes.
• Meeting regularly with Guide Dogs representatives to discuss your pup’s development.
• Completing regular on-line questionnaires to help us monitor puppy progress

Volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time you will get;
• The satisfaction in knowing you are supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The challenge and reward of seeing a puppy develop in your home.
• The opportunity to learn and develop your understanding in dog body language, learning theory, the human animal bond and the life of a Guide Dog.

Experience required

Ideally you will:
• Have time to invest in raising a puppy.
• Be physically able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg).
• Have your own car or access to a car.
• Have your own home or written permission to have a dog in the home.
• Have access to a secure area where the puppy could go to the toilet during the day.
• Be able to access online content and training materials (you will need your own email address).

If you don’t feel you tick every box but are sure this role is the one for you, please drop us a message and tell us why. We’re open to suggestions and happy to chat with you to find out what’s possible!

Travel details

This opportunity takes place int he volunteers own home. Volunteers are required in the following areas of the Scottish Borders : Berwickshire, Galashiels, Kelso, Jedburgh and Hawick,

Travel expenses

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any expenses related to your volunteering with us in line with our policy. Expenses paid include dog food and vet bills.

Support
Training details

This role has 13 hours of training and then you’ll be ready to go! These modules include:
• PREP training.
• Ongoing training both virtually and face to face as part of the role.

If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your interview along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18

Availability
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening