Puppy Training Volunteer

Canine Partners is a registered charity that transforms the lives of people with disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs. Our amazing dogs bring a greater independence and quality of life to their partners, offering support, security, companionship, and practical help with everyday household tasks.

Canine Partners is looking for caring homes in West Sussex & Surrey to raise, socialise and train puppies and young dogs up to the age of 18 months old. Ideally with-in 45 minutes of GU6 post code.

By volunteering you will:

• Be a valued member of our Charity.
• Know that you are integrally involved in the care and training of a dog that will change the life of a person waiting for their Canine Partner.
• Benefit from the companionship and enjoyment of having a dog in your life without lifelong commitment or costs associated with dog ownership.
• Meet like-minded people.
• Can develop your knowledge of puppy development and training

If you can support Canine Partners by helping raise and train one of our puppies or dogs, we would love to hear from you.

What skills do I need?

• The primary puppy parent must be 18 years or older

• You will need to reside in a house/bungalow/ground floor flat with a dog friendly secure garden (non-shared) NB We are unable to accept a townhouse for puppies under the age of 6 months due to health and safety risks to the volunteer and puppy.

• If you are a dog owner, with up to two pet dogs of suitable temperament, as assessed during the home check, you are welcome to apply. They must be over 18 months of age and have lived within the home for at least six months.

• You will need to be at home for most of the day, able to engage with your Puppy Training Coordinator, and live within the boundaries of the Puppy Training Region.

• You need to have the Time to provide the puppy with the socialisation and education it needs to prepare it for assistance dog training.

• You will need the stamina to manage a young active puppy / dog.

• You will need Access to a car, so that you can train the puppy to be comfortable whilst travelling, to travel to veterinary appointments, classes, and training locations on a regular basis.