Call for Swindon volunteers to help look after trainee assistance dogs

The organisation, which breeds, trains and supports the animals, urgently needs dog-loving volunteers to help raise and train the next generation of life-changers.
Previous puppy handling experience is not essential, and full training and ongoing guidance will be provided throughout the volunteering journey by the charity’s expert trainers.
A spokesperson said: "If you love dogs, have the time to commit, and want to make a lasting difference, this could be the role for you."
One volunteer, Helen, said: "The best thing about being a Puppy Training Volunteer is the joy and fun that comes with spending time playing with and training your puppy and seeing the progress they make each day."  
The charity spokesperson added: "Puppy Training Volunteers provide the love, care, training, and socialisation that puppies need to grow into life-changing assistance dogs. 
"By raising a puppy, you'll help a disabled person live with greater independence, confidence, and freedom.
"This is not a typical volunteering role. You’ll welcome a puppy into your home for just over a year, playing a vital role in their development. The role requires time, patience, flexibility, and commitment.
"You're supported every step of the way - you don't need previous experience. Full training, ongoing support, and guidance are provided throughout your volunteering journey, and most puppy-related expenses are covered.
"Volunteers tell us they gain confidence, purpose, friendships and a strong sense of achievement. 
"You'll become part of a supportive community while knowing you helped create a life-changing partnership for a disabled person - as well as all the puppy cuddles you could wish for!
"As Canine Partners expands into new communities, more people have the opportunity to become Puppy Training Volunteers and help raise future assistance dogs.
"Families are welcome - raising a future assistance dog can be a rewarding experience for the whole household, helping everyone play a part in something truly life-changing."
Another volunteer, 75-year-old Julia, is currently raising her third dog, Cherry, and will soon welcome her fourth.
After losing her husband, volunteering gave Julia purpose, companionship and a positive focus.
She said the pride she felt when one of her puppies become partnered with a disabled person is similar to seeing her children graduate.
Julia added: "I can honestly say that becoming a Puppy Training Volunteer is one of the best things I have ever done in my life. 
"My job is to love and care for the puppy, giving them the very best start in life possible."
Fellow volunteer Charleigh, 24, has already helped raise four future life-changers.
Growing up around assistance dogs inspired Charleigh to volunteer, showing how one family's involvement can make a lasting difference.
Balancing volunteering alongside university and her developing career, Charleigh challenges perceptions about who can become a Puppy Training Volunteer.
She said: "Every puppy teaches you something new. It's a big commitment, but it's an incredible experience. 
"You're helping raise a dog that will go on to support someone in ways many people never see, and along the way it changes you too."  
She credits the role with helping her build confidence, develop communication skills, strengthen her resilience and become part of a supportive community.
A Puppy Training Volunteer application takes approximately five to six weeks, with puppies joining volunteers at around eight-weeks-old.
Puppies stay in volunteers' homes with for 14 to 16 months, developing essential core skills in socialisation and play.  
Puppies should not be left alone for more than three hours at any one time, and volunteers may receive up to two visits from their dedicated Canine Partners Trainer per week when a puppy first arrives.  
Volunteers receive at least weekly support from a qualified, dedicated dog trainer, and most training and support activities take places within 45 minutes of your home.
Anyone aged 18 or over can apply to become a Puppy Training Volunteer, and volunteers can have up to two pet dogs in the household, subject to assessment.  
Full details of how to volunteer, plus other information, can be found here.

 

 

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