Puppy Socialiser - Help Raise a Future Assistance Dog
As a Puppy Socialiser, you will play a vital role in the journey of a future assistance dog.
Our Puppy Socialisers welcome a puppy into their home from around 8 weeks of age and provide a loving, stable environment while helping them develop the skills they need for their future role. Puppies generally remain with their socialiser for up to 18 months, until an appropriate veteran match is identified.
During this time, each puppy's needs will change and develop. Every dog is unique, and socialisation is a crucial part of preparing them for life as an assistance dog. Puppies need opportunities to learn how to:
- Meet and greet people in a friendly, calm and controlled manner
- Travel confidently on public transport and in vehicles
- Experience new sounds, environments and everyday situations
- Visit a variety of locations, including shops, cafes and public spaces
- Encounter different people, animals and experiences
- Build confidence, resilience and good manners
Once matched, the dog moves in with their veteran and begins their advanced assistance dog training programme, where they learn specialist skills to support veterans living with mental health challenges.
This is a rewarding volunteering opportunity that offers the chance to watch a puppy grow and develop while knowing that your commitment could help transform a veteran's life. It is great fun and incredibly fulfilling, but it also requires dedication, consistency and a willingness to invest time in the puppy's development.
Full training, guidance and ongoing support are provided by the Veterans With Dogs team throughout the journey.
Help us change lives, one wet nose at a time. 🐾