Puppy raising program

Our dogs require consistent and extensive training for the two year process to become a fully trained service dog, and we are only able to do this with the help of a committed and supportive volunteer team. We are looking to grow our puppy raising team, as we are going to keep a couple of the puppies from our current litter and prefer to spend a couple of months training the raisers before sending a puppy home with them.

Because we are such a small program, I (head trainer/owner of JPSD) am able to offer a lot more one-on-one and small group supportive instruction than many of the larger programs can. I am invested in my volunteer team as they are the ones who most contribute to the success of each of our puppies in training.

This is an excellent opportunity for any disabled individual who has considered getting or training their own service dog, but would like to “dip their toes in” before committing to their own dog. It will also give them thousands of dollars worth of training for free, so they can carry the skills and knowledge they learn into the raising and training of their own dog at a lower cost.

Students who are still in school may consider a conversation with their administration to see if bringing a puppy in training with them is an option. Those who work full time may consider coordinating with their employer to accommodate bringing their puppy in training to work with them. We will work with you to have these conversations productively and within applicable service dog laws.

We have an excellent team of volunteers who are supportive of each other and welcoming of new members. We are very LGBTQIA+ inclusive and consist largely of disabled and neurodivergent individuals. We have a variety of ages and life circumstances/stages.

Benefits:

• Gaining the experience of owning and handling a service dog in training

• Have all expenses paid for (food, vet care, training, toys etc)

• Get to “try out” what it’s like raising and training a service dog, if considering for your own future

• Have full support of the trainer and other volunteers; vacation or days off very flexible

Responsibilities:

• Provide daily care of puppy; brushing, feeding, exercising and training

• With young puppies: Follow prescribed routines for optimal crate and potty training

• Bring puppy on regular socialization and training outings, minimum of twice per week (in addition to puppy classes)

• Attend puppy classes a minimum of 8 classes per month (held M, Th and F 4:30-6pm)

Requirements:

• Live within 20 minutes of Windsor, CT with reliable transportation

• Primary handler must be over the age of 16; younger handlers an option with the full support and participation of an adult

• Host a puppy within the home a minimum of 3 weeks per month (average; longer vacations can be accommodated)

• Never leave puppy alone for more than 4 hours (puppy can go to another volunteer or the trainer’s house on occasions this is not possible)