If you are thinking about raising a puppy for CHAMP, you very likely have questions. Here are some of the questions we most frequently hear from prospective puppy raisers.
What breeds of puppies does CHAMP raise and train?
CHAMP raises and trains primarily Labrador Retrievers.
Labs generally have the optimal mix of physical, intellectual, and tempermental characteristics for service dog work.
How old is the puppy when I take him/her home?
Most puppies go to the puppy raiser’s home at about eight weeks old.
How long will I keep the puppy?
Your puppy will live with you until they are placed at approximately 2 - 2 1/2 years old. Throughout this time, puppies will spend time at trainer’s homes and a women’s prison where they receive training on advanced skills. Additionally, CHAMP sometimes asks puppy raisers to swap puppies for short periods to expose the puppies to a wide rage of experiences.
Will I be training the puppy?
Yes, puppy raisers provide training and socialization experiences for their puppies. Previous training experience is not required. The CHAMP trainers and staff will support you and your puppy every step of the way. Puppy raisers are expected to bring their puppy to the CHAMP office for one training session a week. CHAMP offers a variety of training options including group classes, one-on-one classes, drop off days where the puppies “go to school” and work with the trainers multiple times throughout the day, weekday classes, evening classes, and weekend classes.
How old do I have to be to raise a puppy?
Puppy raisers must be 18 years or older. Families with children are more than welcome to raise puppies for CHAMP.
Can the puppy stay at home while I am at work?
Yes and no. Young puppies need frequent let outs. Many raisers bring their puppies to work. Others rely on the help of friends, family, or another puppy raiser to assist in the early stages of puppy raising.
How does CHAMP prepare individuals for their role as a puppy raiser?
CHAMP encourages future puppy raisers to attend puppy classes prior to taking home a puppy. Many puppy raisers start as puppy sitters while full time raisers on vacation.
Additionally, CHAMP staff does a home visit to help new raisers set their home and puppy up for success. New puppy raisers also attend puppy orientation and receive a Puppy Manual. Once the puppy goes home, trainers and staff are available to answer any questions, day or night.
Raising a future service dog is too big of a commitment, are there other puppy raising options for me?
Yes! CHAMP offers co-raising opportunities. Two or more families share the responsibility of raising the puppy until they are placed. Short term puppy sitting opportunities are also available when a full time puppy raiser is out of town or temporarily needs someone to watch their puppy.
What type of training philosophy does CHAMP endorse?
CHAMP adheres to LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) training techniques and follows a positive training methodology as recommended by Assistance Dogs International.
Where do puppy raisers take the puppy in public?
In Missouri, Service Dogs in Training are allowed anywhere a placed Service Dog is permitted. Raisers are encouraged to provide their puppies with a variety of experiences and exposures in public. Before the puppy is fully vaccinated, raisers are asked to keep their puppy in a stroller (provided by CHAMP) or to bring their puppy to public places where there are no other dogs.
What happens if my living situation changes and I can no longer care for the puppy?
We understand that life happens and will find another home for the puppy to live until they are placed.
How can I possibly give up the puppy when the time comes?
Puppy raisers have paw prints on their hearts and will never forget the puppies they have raised. Knowing the puppy is giving someone a new leash on life and allowing them to live more independently and with increased mobility is the reason many of our puppy raisers have raised multiple puppies for CHAMP.
Upon seeing the profound bond and life changing impact her puppy had with her new person, one long-term puppy raiser recently said “This is why I do this.”
Will I get to meet the individual who receives the puppy I raised?
In most cases, yes. Puppy raisers are often included in the placement of their puppy as they go to their new home. Clients and puppy raisers often exchange information to remain in contact after placement. If a client ever needs a dog sitter, puppy raisers are often asked if they would like their puppy to return for a visit.
What kind of financial commitment is required?
None. CHAMP covers all costs for the puppies including veterinary care, food, and will provide supplies such as crates, toys, collars, and leashes. Some puppy raisers choose to pay some or all of the puppy’s costs, which is always appreciated! As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, any expenses incurred by puppy raisers are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. CHAMP will provide a donation letter for tax purposes and encourages raisers to consult their tax advisers.
Who pays for vet care, food, and other expenses?
CHAMP pays for veterinary care, food, and other expenses.
See our answer to the question “What kind of financial commitment is required?” on this page for more information.
What if the dog is not placed as a service dog?
Not all dogs are meant to be service dogs. Some dogs are released and go on to do other work such as search and rescue or scent work. Others are adopted by members of the community and live their lives as cherished family pets. Puppy raisers can adopt their puppy if it is released from the program.
Do I need a fenced yard?
A fenced yard is not required to raise a puppy, although it is encouraged as puppies need exercise and have lots of energy to burn every day. CHAMP does not allow puppy raisers to use electric fences or take puppies to communal dog parks.
I work outside the home. Can I still be a Puppy Raiser?
Possibly. Many puppy raisers take their puppies with them to the office, and we encourage them to do so. Of course, you would need prior approval from your place of employment. Or, puppy raisers can arrange to have a responsible family member, neighbor, or friend stop by to exercise, feed, and play with the puppy while the caregiver is at work. The puppy’s socialization needs must still be met, which means you must be diligent about scheduling outings in the evenings and on weekends. Raising a puppy when you work outside the home is certainly possible, just be sure you consider your energy level after a long day at work!
How much exercise do the dogs require?
Puppies need physical activity every day in the form of play or walking. Puppy raisers should expect to provide at least 30-45 minutes a day. Puppy raisers often set up puppy play dates for exercise and socialization. Nothing can wear a puppy out like another puppy! As puppies’ bones and bodies are still developing until at least 1 year of age, running the dog alongside you as you run, bike, rollerblade, etc. is not permitted.
Who takes care of the dog if I go out of town?
Puppy raisers are allowed but not expected to take their puppies with them when travelling, when appropriate. Otherwise, the puppy will go to another raiser home, a trainer home, or to the women’s prison for training.
Will I have my puppy until he/she is placed?
In general, yes. Puppies stay with their raisers until they are placed. During this time puppies will also spend time at a trainer home and a women’s prison.
How do I apply?
For more information or to receive a puppy raiser application, please contact CHAMP (linked). Once we receive your completed application, the Puppy Program manager will contact you to schedule a time to discuss puppy raising, answer any questions, schedule a home visit, and provide a schedule of classes to attend. Puppy raiser applicants must live in the greater St. Louis area and within 50 miles of the CHAMP office in Maryland Heights, MO.
