Becoming a Volunteer Puppy Raiser or Sitter
WAGS
relies on the commitment of many volunteers to make our program
successful. Without these dedicated individuals we simply could not meet
the demand that exists for our life-changing dogs. As a WAGS
Puppy Raiser, working with the WAGS
staff, you will learn how to teach a
WAGS
puppy basic to advanced Service Dog skills. You will also
learn how to work with a WAGS
Service Dog in public and in your
workplace (if appropriate). We prefer that our Puppy Raisers live within 60 miles of Madison. This facilitates attendance at
group training sessions held at the WAGS
facility as well as field trips with the WAGS
Program Director. This also makes it more viable for WAGS staff to conduct home visits and assist with training needs in work or home sites.
A puppy raiser typically has a dog from age 7 weeks until the pup is 9-12 months old. During this time the pup needs to be house trained, learn basic skills, good leash manners and since WAGS believes in early puppy education, begin learning advanced Service Dog skills (retrieve, tug, nose it and working with a wheelchair). The Puppy Raiser, working with the WAGS staff, takes the WAGS puppy on age appropriate "field trips". Volunteer Puppy Raisers must be able to devote time each day to exercise, training, grooming and socialization. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who would like to make WAGS a part of their lives. Read more about the qualifications and requirements for being a Puppy Raiser or Sitter. If you are interested in applying for one of these volunteer positions, please download, complete, and mail the Volunteer Puppy Raiser Application or Volunteer Sitter Application to WAGS.
If you are looking for other ways to get involved, please contact us at info@wags.net or call (608) 250-9247.
