Dog-lovers in the Hailsham area are being sought by national charity Canine Partners to take puppies into their own homes and begin their early training to be assistance dogs for people with disabilities.
Canine Partners is specifically looking for volunteers, known as puppy parents, who can take a pup into their home from the age of eight weeks until they are 12 to 14 months old.
They will need to have time, commitment and a sense of humour, and be able to attend a regular training class. A trainer will be on hand to support them in their key role at classes and at home in one-to-one sessions.
Puppy parents teach the assistance-dogs-in-training basic obedience, social skills and core tasks that are essential before they move on to advanced training, where their skills are refined specifically for a disabled person’s needs.
Puppy satellite supervisor Ronnie Paskouis said: “Volunteering as a puppy parent is a rewarding opportunity for people who live in and around the area. Puppy parents train puppies in the early stages of their development before they go on to advanced training and are matched with someone who has a disability.
“Although previous experience with dogs is not required, a puppy parent will need to be home most of the day, have a secure dog-friendly garden, enjoy the fun of classes and outings and have the stamina to manage an active young puppy. Canine Partners will provide food and equipment for the puppy and cover all veterinary costs for the duration of the puppy parent relationship.”
If you would like to play a vital role in training an assistance dog, please call 01730 716017 or email puppyoffice@caninepartners.org.uk
