Seeing Eye Dogs Volunteer Puppy Carer

About this opportunity

This volunteer role sits within the Seeing Eye Dogs Puppy Development Program. This position would be suitable for singles, families, retirees, anyone with a genuine interest in becoming a puppy carer. A volunteer puppy carer (carers) provides a high standard of care for Seeing Eye Dogs puppies/or dogs in the volunteer’s own home as approved and agreed by Seeing Eye Dogs. Carers will teach basic obedience, house manners, eating and toileting on command, walking on lead in a relaxed manner. Carers must be able to provide opportunities for the puppy to socialise in different social settings such as restaurants, cinemas, cafes, shopping centres, etc; noting that it is puppy dependant and need to be discussed with their respective trainer. PROGRAM DEFINITIONS – available in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. We offer three versions of the caring programs:- *12 MONTH PROGRAM - Caring for a puppy from approximately eight weeks to approximately 12-15months *SIX MONTH PROGRAM - Caring for a puppy from approximately eight weeks of age until six months OR six months to approximately 12-15 months of age Note - if you opt for the six month program when the puppy is at the commencement of its program and you wish to continue caring for the puppy through to formal training, if this is an option you will need to discuss the possibility with your trainer. *PRESTARTED PROGRAM - Experience carers will start the puppy with the early stages of its training and then will be transferred to a carer who will care for the puppy from approximately 12-14 weeks of age to approximately 12-15 months of age. Whichever program you decide is best for you, your family and lifestyle you will be supported by Seeing Eye Dogs staff and volunteer community. KEY TASKS • Provide an environment where the puppy receives loving care and a warm safe environment space to play and sleep • Under the guidance and supervision of their trainer, teach puppies basic obedience, toilet training, house manners and to walk on lead in a calm and relaxed manner. • Ensure when socialising the puppies that they maintain good manners • Be moderately physically fit and emotionally able to walk a puppy on a daily basis. For example being able to take the puppy for regular walks, shopping centre visits, to cafés, on public transport, on socialisation trips and toileting • Be available to take the puppy to meet with your trainer for regular one-hour visits during business hours. Note - this may be a combination of online and face-to-face appointments (in the home and in local locations). These will start at weekly intervals and extending out to monthly as the puppy gets older • Supervision of puppies at all times to ensure their safety; in the event the puppy cannot be supervised, ensuring that either the crate or tether is used • Keeping the puppy in ideal physical condition, and up to date with vaccination and worming treatments • Be able to transport the dog to Kensington or any other location as required • In the event of an emergency be able to take the puppy to emergency care IMPORTANT: • the puppy can not be left alone for no more than three hours • you can not walk two dogs at a time • puppies may leave their toys and causing a trip hazard, so encouraging a tidy play area • environmental awareness is important in a puppy’s development i.e. if there is another dog approaching, how to best manage the interaction • the puppy development team may consult with the Seeing Eye Dog Client Services team if and when blindness and low vision advice is necessary to better support the puppy and volunteer "VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT INFORMATION TO BE ADDED ONCE REVIEW IS COMPLETE"

Additional requirements

• National Police Certificate^*

Some experience with dogs is preferred, need to be fairly active and able to handle and walk a dog and meet the additional requirements of puppy care and yard security indicated - puppy must sleep inside, so it can learn to be relaxed & calmly behaved indoors - have a yard with secure fencing free from hazards, i.e. sharp surfaces & toxic plants - be available for regular visits with a Seeing Eye Dogs staff member and attend group training sessions Under the guidance of your trainer, you will - teach your puppy basic obedience, house manners, eating and toileting on command, socialisation in many different places (restaurants, cinemas, cafés, shopping centres, supermarkets, etc.) and to walk on lead in a relaxed manner.

* May be arranged by the organisation. Details will be provided after you express your interest.