Canine Partners, the national charity that breeds, trains and supports assistance dogs, is expanding and urgently needs local 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 your volunteering journey by the charity’s expert dog trainers.
If you love dogs, have the time to commit, and want to make a lasting difference, this could be the role for you.
Helen, a puppy training volunteer, 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.”
Current puppy trainer volunteers
75-year-old puppy training volunteer Julia is currently raising her third future life-changer, Cherry and will soon welcome her fourth.
After losing her husband, volunteering gave Julia purpose, companionship and a positive focus.
She says the pride she feels when one of her puppies becomes partnered with a disabled person is similar to seeing her children graduate.
Julia said: “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.”
24 –years-old, Charleigh has also 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.
Charleigh 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.”
Canine Partners say that you do not need previous experience, but you do need the right circumstances.
You can find more information on how to get involved here.
