Puppy Socialiser FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

If you prefer to print these FAQ we have prepared a "Puppy Socialiser Information Guide" in pdf format you can view or download this guide by
clicking here

Question 1:
How old would the puppy be when I receive it?
A. Puppies are given out at approximately 8 weeks of age.

Question 2:
How long could I expect to have the puppy?
A. A Puppy Socialiser will usually have the puppy from 8 weeks of age to anywhere from 12 to 18 months of age.

Question 3:
Is it hard to give up the puppy?
A. This is a question often asked. Yes, it is hard to give up the puppy. After you have had the puppy for 12–18 months in your home it has become part of your family. You get used to taking the puppy to stores and out to eat. To help with the transition of giving up the dog, some puppy socialisers think of it as the dog “going to college”. Others adjust by getting another puppy and starting over again. Attending monthly meetings with other socialisers will help you to stay focused on your mission. These dogs are going on to improve the quality of life for someone else that will love and care for them. This is one of the greatest you could give. Remember that assistance dog was once a puppy and someone unselfishly gave of their time to raise, love, train, and give up that dog. It is a very difficult thing to do, but look at the difference that dog has made in the life of their “Person”.

Question 4:
What would my obligations as a puppy socialiser be?
A. Being a Puppy Socialiser requires patience, time and commitment. You are responsible for the care and safety of the puppy. You must provide a loving home environment, teach appropriate house manners, instill confidence in the puppy, commit to exposure and socialisation outings, apply basic obedience skills each day and attend your Puppy Socialiser monthly meetings.

Question 5:
What do you mean by an exposure outing?
A. The puppy needs to be exposed to many, many things such as; the post office, the supermarket, public transportation, traffic, elevators, etc... This means you would commit to bringing the puppy everywhere with you.

Question 6:
How would I socialise the puppy?
A. Socialising is ensuring the puppy is safely exposed to other animals (dogs, cats, farm animals), to young children, infants and older folks too. The puppy will learn many socialization and exposure skills while attending your Puppy Socialiser meetings

Question 7:
Would I be responsible for Veterinary expenses?
A. The charity pays all veterinary expenses and will advise you of a suitable veterinary surgeon in your locality.

Question 8:
What would I need to provide?
A. All food and training equipment is also supplied by the charity. Any additional equipment will be discussed at one of the meetings with your trainer.

Question 9:
I’m very interested. What do I do next?
A. Just complete the on-line Puppy Socialiser application form and submit, or you may e-mail us with your name and full home address and we will mail you an application. Once your application is processed, it is forwarded to the Area Coordinator in your area. The Area Coordinator will then contact you to arrange for an in-home visit.

Additional Information

Preparing for The Puppy

There is usually a waiting period before you receive the puppy. What can you do to best prepare?

Puppy Proof your house and yard. Everything goes when on the puppy’s level.
Including electric cords, pesticides, breakables, household cleaners, solvents, fertilizers, antifreeze, human medication, plants, chocolate, children’s toys, kitty liter boxes, cat food, valuables and personal possessions.

Supervision:
When you are teaching and conditioning the puppy appropriate behavior, it is important that you keep the puppy close by you, when you are at home or when you are not at home the puppy is kept in its meshed crate. These are the tools that help you keep the puppy under your direct control and supervision. These tools make for quicker and more effective communication between you and the puppy. A puppy can also be under your direct supervision behind a baby gate or a fenced in yard with you present. However, the puppy is NOT under your supervision when it is loose around the house or in the yard without you present and watching it. It is up to you, the teacher of the puppy, to be aware of how you are handling and setting the pup up for either success or for failure. Failure is allowing the puppy unsupervised freedom.

Safety:
It is your responsibility to protect the assist dog puppy from accidents or mishaps and again any additional support and guidance will be given at one of your regular visits from your trainer.

Keep the puppy on a leash:
Puppy goes off leash only when you are in a safe area away from traffic. When you are not home leave the puppy in a safe place such as a dog crate. Keep a buckle collar and ID on the pup at all times except when in the crate. Advise children to be careful going in and out of the house and to shut the doors leading outside securely behind them.

 Think Safety:
Safety knows where the puppy is at all times. Use the tools of safety, teaching and conditioning. Basic obedience is a safety tool. For example the sit-stay can be used to control the puppy. Other tools are the leash, tie-down, crate, fenced in area, baby gates and, most of all, you who needs to be aware.