The local program helps arrange for volunteers to take care of puppies when their raisers leave town. At quarterly evaluations, raisers receive guidance and can learn about training and dog health topics. Raising a Puppy People interested in raising a puppy should submit a puppy raiser application . Eligible applicants are interviewed to ensure that they can provide a safe and supportive home for puppies. Guiding Eyes breeds Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers from lines that have exhibited the traits required to be a guide, such as excellent health and a confident, serene and friendly temperament.
Raisers can express a preference for the breed of dog they raise.
Puppies are tested when they are seven weeks old. Those that show promise as potential guide dogs are matched with waiting raisers. When the puppies are seven to nine weeks old they are delivered to their raisers. The raisers teach the puppies basic manners and provide socialization experience. At the beginning this includes housebreaking, crate training and teaching the puppies to pay attention on command.