"Puppies like me are born to be guide or assistance dogs; all we really need are some nice people to look after us, educate and play with us until we grow up and go to work in the big world as proper working dogs."
What our volunteer puppy walkers do?
The puppy walkers's job is to rear the puppy and educate it so that it becomes a well-mannered, well adjusted, socially acceptable animal. This education forms an essential foundation for the future.
How do we support our volunteer puppy walkers?
- We host a variety of practical workshops for Puppy Walkers to aid their knowledge and assist them with dog handling skills.
- Our Puppy Walking Supervisors work closely with each Puppy Walker, keeping in regular contact and visiting to monitor the puppy's progress - all to enable our volunteer Puppy Walker to successfully socialise their respective puppy.
- All veterinary fees and feeding costs are covered by Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Which kinds of people make ideal puppy walkers?
Retired people and families with children generally make good puppy walkers, but anyone can apply and having pets doesn't necessarily exclude people. The important thing is that the person is able to spend time caring and teaching the puppy.
Furthermore, it is important to note that applications are evaluated according to various criteria, the most important of which are:
- There needs to be an adult at home full time;
- Puppies cannot be placed in homes where there are children under the age of five.
How to apply to become a volunteer puppy walker
If you are interested in becoming a Puppy Walker, please complete the Puppy Walker Application Form. Alternatively, please call us on lo-call 1850 506 300.
