Do you know what a puppy raiser is?

Well, I didn't know what a "puppy raiser" was until I became interested in our canine friends a long time ago. The term applies to persons who raise pups for the purpose of becoming guide dogs. These pups are placed in homes at 8 weeks. The volunteers are called "puppy raisers", and have to fill out applications and be approved. They are required to see that the pup gets lots of socialization, everywhere and experience as many situations as possible. A well socialized pup will have fewer adjustments to make when it comes in for formal guide dog training. They are required to teach the pup basic obedience through an approved basic obedience class, and attend monthly meetings in order to let the pup interact with other dogs. At 18 months the pup will go to Guide Dogs of America for formal training. At that time the puppy raiser gives up his darling to go off to be trained.