Puppy Socializers- Host a puppy for 2 months!

Puppy Socializers play a crucial role producing confident, exceptionally skilled service and facility dogs. By raising a puppy in their home until the puppy is 16 weeks old, the puppy starter provides a puppy-in-training the opportunity to live in a home and experience the real world during their critical socialization period before the transition to the PAWS’abilities Puppy Raising Program. This early socialization is essential to producing confident and exceptionally skilled service and facility dogs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide love, support, training, socialization and an invaluable in-home experience for a Paragon puppy, for about 2 months, until the puppy is 16 weeks old.
• Provide a safe, secure, loving home with appropriate food, toys, and crate.
• Supply replacement items and treats; cover own transportation costs to/from puppy classes etc.
• Keep the puppy well-groomed and healthy, including making the puppy available to be taken to vet appointments.
• Teach the puppy basic skills and appropriate behavior using Paragon’s cues and techniques.
• Promote confidence in the puppy and an eagerness to work through positive reinforcement methods.
• Attend 2 puppy classes or socialization outings per week.
• Provide age appropriate outings and experiences for socialization following Paragon recommendations.
• Complete and submit weekly socialization logs in a timely manner.
• Follow Paragon’s procedures and guidelines.
• Seek assistance and support as needed from Paragon staff.
• Help raise awareness for Paragon’s mission when you’re out and about.
• Have fun with and enjoy a puppy!

PARAGON’S RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Dog food, dog equipment (leash, collar, crate, vest), and preventatives are covered by Paragon.
• All routine veterinary care is covered.
• Provide support and consistent communication with knowledgeable staff to answer questions, troubleshoot, and problem-solve any areas of concern in person, over the phone, or by email throughout the puppy starting period.
• Provide weekly puppy classes and socialization outings, in addition to virtual/phone meetings as needed by socializers.
• The Volunteer Coordinator will pick up and take the puppy on socialization outings without the Puppy Socializer Volunteer on a regular basis.
• Provide training and progress updates to the Puppy Socializer Volunteer at their request once the dog enters the PAWS’abilities Puppy Raising Program.
• Relevant Paragon status updates - medical assessments, placements, career paths, etc.

JOY FILLED BENEFITS:

• Learn new skills such as best practices in positive reinforcement dog training, advocating for a puppy-in-training, and communicating with the general public.
• Join a community of folks who are passionate about dogs and animal welfare.
• Participate in the “Passing of the Leash” ceremony.
• Lots of wagging tails and dog snuggles.
• Puppy breath.
• The companionship of a dog without the lifelong commitment.
• Knowing you are changing the life of an individual who is d/Deaf.