How to Raise a Seeing Eye Puppy

The Seeing Eye Puppy-Raising Program recruits volunteers ages 9 and up to raise puppies for a short time before they enter official training for service to blind individuals. Puppies generally require foster care in a private home between the ages of 7 months and 18 months. To volunteer, you must sign up to raise a Seeing Eye puppy through the 4-H Youth Development Program, which entails filling out an official application and attending the 4-H puppy club meetings before and after receiving a puppy into your home. Raising a puppy for the program may be challenging, but it's a practical way to work toward social justice for the blind.

Things You'll Need

  • Puppy food
  • 2 puppy serving dishes
  • Leash
  • Plastic bags
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attend 4-H puppy club meetings, as scheduled, to learn more about the program and to socialize with other Seeing Eye dogs and their foster owners.

    • 2

      Feed your puppy three times a day, using the specific serving recommendations on the puppy food package. Change the water in your puppy's serving dish regularly.

    • 3

      Monitor your dog for any signs of illness and take it to the vet immediately if necessary.

    • 4

      Leash your dog and take it outside as much as possible. Prepare your puppy for Seeing Eye service by exposing it to situations it may encounter with its blind owner, such as crowded stores, elevators, cars, stairwells and slippery surfaces. Clean up after your dog by bagging its excrement and disposing of it properly.