The Puppy Raiser process
Our Puppy Raiser/Trainer volunteers are the core of My Angel With Paws. They take our Angels in Training into their homes and hearts for approximately 1 1/2 years, during which time they oversee the puppies training, socialization and development into successful service dogs.
Our Angels need to be loved and cuddled and played with and enjoyed. Our My Angel With Paws puppy classes will teach you how to guide your Angel in training toward his full potential.
Proper socialization and environmental exposure at a very young age is critical. The puppies must be exposed to household sights and sounds, as many different people as possible, community exposure, as well as work environments.
You will start out as a puppy raiser and your puppy must earn his vest. As a puppy raiser you will not legally have access into establishments unless they are willing to allow you and your pup to enter. While attending class you will learn how to teach your pup his basics and calmly handle most situations that can arise. Once a puppy raiser can demonstrate calm control and the puppy has good public manners, you will become a puppy trainer and you pup will earn his vest. Once you are a puppy trainer you and your vested pup can legally enter any business, restaurant, establishment, etc.
Now you are on your way!! The real fun begins as you will begin expanding your pups exposures. Your trainer in class can assist recommending what exposures your pup is ready to experience.
You and your puppy will:
- attend regular training classes at MAWP where he will learn his basic skills along with many skills a service dog will need.
- participate in "field trips" to lots of fun and exciting places.
- participate in special events and fundraising events.
- earn S.T.A.R. certification on or before him being 6 months of age
- earn his CGC certification when he is 1 year old
- earn his TT when he is 1 1/2 years old
After your Angel in training is about 1 1/2 years old, he/she is now ready to come into the My Angel With Paws training facility for the final training phase. He/she will be evaluated for skills and temperament to be matched with the perfect partner. Skills will be honed and the dog will learn client specific advanced skills.
You and your pup have reached your goal. He is now beginning the life you have prepared him for. This transition is very like raising your child, sending them off to college, attending their wedding and witnessing a new life beginning - all because of you. Each step he takes will bring a tear but it is also a tear of pride.
I will never tell you turning your pup in is easy. You have traveled a wonderful journey together. You are the reason your pup has become strong, confident and skilled. It is your love, devotion and dedication that has made him a success. When you drop off your graduating Angel in Training, we will have another pup that needs all the wonderful love and direction you have already proven you can provide.
