Hero Service Dogs–Puppy Handlers & Sponsors Needed
Posted on June 16, 2009 by Nancy Houser
Hero Service Dogs puppy handlers are needed from the time they are eight weeks of age until their evaluation at eight months of age, with full training requiring up to 20-months of duration. A vital role, these first few months are based on dedicated handlers and trainers who make the difference in whether a dog will succeed or fail in the service dog program it is registered in. Two choices are available for those who wish to help Hero Service Dogs reach their goals: sponsoring a rescue dog or as a full-time handler.
DOG SPONSORS FOR HERO SERVICE DOGS
A dog sponser in organizations like Hero Assistance Dogs is offered sponsorship in levels which vary,
"In the heart of every dog lies a hero with the right handler or trainer."
depending on the level the sponsor chooses to pay. Each dog costs about $15,000 to $20,000 to train,with sponsorship programs available to businesses, organizations, schools, clubs, and of course…individuals. For the entire two years the puppy/dog is in training the name the Hero Assistance Dogs receive:
Full business sponsorship receives:
Naming privilege
Business name on pups cape for the two years they are in training.
Media and public acknowledgment when pup in training is recognized.
Tax deduction
Recognition on our website
Progress report and pictures throughout training
Invitation to graduation
Full memorial / in honor of sponsorship receives:
Naming privilege
In memory / in honor of name on pups cape for the two years they are in training
Media and public acknowledgment when pup in training is recognized
Tax deduction
Recognition on our website
Progress report and pictures throughout training
Invitation to graduation
PUPPY HANDLERS/TRAINERS FOR HERO ASSISTANCE DOGS
The expectations of a dog handler are rigid and demanding, and not for the faint at heart. But training to save the life of a disabled person is the goal, and to assist in the everyday activities to allow a disabled person remain in their homes is more than worth it. Here is a list of what is expected at Hero Assistance Dogs for their puppy handlers:
- Care for the needs of an 8-week-old puppy, which will need attention every two hours during the day and possibly during the night for the first month.
- Crate training/housebreaking
- Spend at least 30 minutes a day doing obedience training, introducing at least 4-6 or more commands each week.
- Attend formal obedience classes throughout the time the puppy is in your home.
- Spend at least 3 hours a week socializing the puppy in public places.
- Expose the puppy, (after 12 weeks of age), to as may varied types of exposures as possible. Not just the same routine.
- You must be able to financially provide for the needs of a puppy for about 18 months.
- Unless the puppy is sponsored, this includes shots and regular veterinary care, neutering, x-rays, quality food and shelter. We hope to get as many sponsored puppies as possible.
- Puppy belongs to Hero Assistance Dogs, Inc. and is not your personal pet. You will be expected to return the puppy and service dog vest at a designated time for advanced training.
- The puppy needs to be raised as an indoor dog. Keep in mind how it will live as a future service dog.
- Attend training meetings when scheduled, approximately every other month.
- As you are socializing your puppy, help educate the public about Service Dogs.
- Represent Hero Assistance Dogs, Inc. in a professional & positive light at all times.
- Released service puppies/career change puppies will not be offered to the puppy trainer/raiser. Our goal is to find a working position for all of our puppies whenever possible.
- Puppy Trainer/Raisers must be willing to turn in quarterly evaluations on the puppy’s progress, and keep a weekly command evaluation updated to be passed in with the quarterly evaluation.
- At 8 months of age, all puppies will be evaluated and graded. This will let us know how the puppy is progressing and if it is to stay in the program or be career changed.
The website Love of Dog shows a video on the life of a service dog which tells it from one trainer’s viewpoint….enjoy! (Click on Love of Dog to view)
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