Dog lovers in Wiltshire are being sought by the charity Guide Dogs to sign up to be ‘puppy raisers’ and join its team of volunteers in the county.

The charity has said that the role involves caring for a puppy in your home for 12-16 months, teaching them basic commands, familiarising them with many different environments, and attending monthly puppy classes. 

They are pushing the message that it is a vital link in the chain of dog socialisation and training, providing the puppy with the essential foundation for its future as a life-changing guide dog.

Pat Janecka, the volunteering coordinator at Guide Dogs, said: “It can be a challenge, but it’s also lots of fun and many of our puppy raiser volunteers go on to look after several puppies as they love it so much. 

“Volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time you will get a dedicated Guide Dogs volunteer manager who will help you settle in and support you during your time with us.”

Requirements for a puppy raiser include time, good communication skills and a suitable home to bring up a puppy in.

Janice Boswell, from Corsham, has been puppy raising since 2007. She’s currently raising Beulah, a curly coated retriever. 

“We’ve made so many friends through this. Whether it’s other volunteers, including puppy raisers from different parts of the UK or guide dog owners including their families. In fact, our fundraising group meets up every week for a social coffee and chat.”

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Janice has kept in touch with many of the guide dog owners who now have the puppies she raised. 

“It’s been great to be in touch with them and some of us are now good friends. That’s not always the case but it’s so lovely to see where your puppy ends up and the difference they make.” 

Janice would like to encourage more people to give puppy raising a try. 

“I keep doing it because I enjoy it - I enjoy the challenge and it’s so rewarding to see the progress your puppy makes. You have to be patient and more importantly, consistent, but if you can do that it really works.” 

“I go into it knowing this is not my dog, but I feel honoured and privileged to be able to help them along their way.”

For more information and to apply, visit the charity’s website at guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer