| PUPPY RAISER FAMILIES
The C.O.P.E. puppies-in-training are placed with Puppy Raisers from the time they are 7-8 weeks old, until they are matched with their life partner, or move on to do their life’s work approx. 2 years later.
Why?
Because the C.O.P.E. dogs are destined for a fulfilling life with human partners, it is of utmost importance that they be home-raised. This means being part of a family during their formative puppyhood and into their advanced training years.
Where?
Ideally, Puppy Raiser Families are located in the Barrie area, within a reasonable travelling distance to our training facilities in Barrie and Innisfil. Your home ideally will have a safe fenced yard. |
Who?
• You are over 18 years of age
• You are available to care for the puppy during the day either in your home or while your puppy accompanies you at work
• If you have a family, you must have all your family members’ support
• You may have other pets, but no more than 2 dogs in residence and none under the age of 12 months all other pets must be fixed
• You must have transportation means to attend regular puppy classes with your puppy, and to transport your puppy for training
• You must be willing to devote up to 2 years to the socialization of your puppy, and participate in regular training sessions during this time
• You must be willing to take your puppy with you on outings and into public establishments such as stores and restaurants in order to expose him/her to all types of stimuli that will be encountered in his/her future work
• You must commit to and comply with the training methods used by C.O.P.E., and
• You will have successfully completed our application and screening process. |
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When?
We regularly have the opportunity to welcome new puppies into our program.
If you would like to become a Puppy Raiser Family to a C.O.P.E. puppy and think you meet the above criteria – and can commit to up to 2 years with the C.O.P.E. puppy – please contact us!
What?
A Puppy Raiser Family is the first and a very important step in the life of a C.O.P.E. dog. The responsibilities of the Family are outweighed only by the enrichment of having a puppy-in-training in your life!
Responsibilities include:
• Raising the best dog possible in accordance with the training methods set out by C.O.P.E.
• Always leaving a positive impression with anyone who interacts with a C.O.P.E. puppy-in-training
• To help us educate the public on their rights and obligations with regards to assistance dogs
And more specifically:
• Mandatory attendance at training sessions for you and your puppy-in-training
• Transportation of puppy to training facilities in Barrie and/or Innisfil to participate in early puppyhood training and advanced training for his/her life’s work, and other C.O.P.E programs
• Socializing the puppy by systematically exposing him/her to different stimuli that they will experience in their future work, under the guidance of C.O.P.E. That means, taking your puppy with you wherever you go!
• Be willing to purchase some basic puppy supplies, for example toys, treats, toothbrush and toothpaste, brush, flexi-leash, bedding and bowls. • C.O.P.E. will provide the crate, regularly scheduled vet care, food, 4 ft. leash, exercise harness, and C.O.P.E. ID (backpack and/or cape).
Interested?
Click here for the application form.
For more information contact:
C.O.P.E. Service Dogs
P.O. Box 20035
Barrie, Ontario
Canada L4M 6E9
Email: info@copedogs.org
Phone: (705) 734-COPE (2673) |
