About Raising a Guide Dog with Contra Costa County Puppy Raising Club

Our mission as puppy raisers is to teach basic commands and good house manners to our guide dog puppies and to socialize our puppies following Guide Dogs for the Blind's approved training and management techniques.

Our raisers are all volunteers. It is our raisers who give puppies their basic obedience training and introduce them to a variety of social situations that they will later encounter as seeing-eye dogs. Raisers open their homes to these puppies and keep them until they are fifteen to eighteen months of age. The first phase of training is a critical time in the puppies' lives when they learn the most and at the quickest pace.

It is essential for raisers to provide a positive and reinforced learning environment, one in which the puppy is provided with love, attention, socialization and exposure to our world. Raisers are responsible for the complete care of their dog during the months they have them. Raisers must house-train, feed, socialize, teach, and groom their puppies. Puppies are treated as members of the family and primarily live inside while learning to cohabit compatibly with people. Raisers are supplied with equipment and supplies essential to a puppy's education and health.

If you are interested in volunteering your time with us, consider becoming a puppy raiser or puppy sitter. We are always interested in talking to potential volunteers. Contact Contra Costa County Puppy Raising Club for more information or read our Frequently Asked Questions.