Become a Puppy Raiser with Your Service Dog Inc
Every service dog’s journey begins quietly.
It starts with a puppy learning how to move through the world—riding in the car, walking into a store, settling at your feet, and discovering that new experiences are safe and manageable. These early moments shape confidence, resilience, and trust.
As a Puppy Raiser with Your Service Dog Inc, you become part of that beginning. By welcoming a puppy into your daily life and working alongside our training team, you help build the foundation that makes future service dog partnerships possible. This role isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency, guidance, and showing up, day after day.
Why Puppy Raising Matters
Service dogs aren’t created in a classroom alone. They’re shaped through consistent exposure to real-world environments, thoughtful guidance, and daily practice.
Puppy Raisers help:
- Build strong social and environmental skills
- Establish foundational obedience and manners
- Support emotional regulation and confidence
- Prepare dogs for the next stages of service dog training and placement
Every outing, routine, and training session contributes to a dog’s long-term success.
What a Puppy Raiser Does
Puppy Raisers provide a safe, structured home environment while actively participating in the training process.
Responsibilities include:
- Daily care and supervision
- Consistent practice of training skills provided by YSDI
- Socialization in a variety of environments
- Participation in daily training sessions
- Ongoing communication and regular check-ins with YSDI trainers
- Following program guidelines and training protocols
This role is hands-on, educational, and collaborative.
How Training Works at YSDI
At YSDI, training is a partnership.
Puppy Raisers are not expected to be professional trainers. Instead, you’ll work closely with YSDI’s training team, who:
- Design and guide the training curriculum
- Provide daily instruction and feedback
- Monitor each dog’s progress and development
- Adjust training goals as the dog grows
Evaluation is ongoing throughout the program to ensure the best possible outcome for both the dog and the future handler.
Support You’ll Receive
Puppy Raisers are supported throughout the program with:
- Daily training sessions guided by YSDI trainers
- Regular check-ins to address questions, challenges, and progress
- Trainer oversight and individualized guidance
- Veterinary care support, coordinated by YSDI (coverage varies depending on situation and need)
You are never expected to troubleshoot training or behavior challenges on your own.
Time Commitment
Puppy raising is a meaningful commitment that integrates into daily life.
While schedules vary, Puppy Raisers should expect:
- Daily involvement in training activities
- Regular communication with trainers
- Participation in scheduled sessions and evaluations
We’ll discuss expectations in detail before placement to ensure the role is a good fit.
Top 5 Reasons to Become a Puppy Raiser
You Make a Lasting Impact
You Make a Lasting ImpactPuppy Raisers play a critical role in shaping dogs who may one day support someone’s independence, safety, and daily life.
You’re Supported Every Step of the Way
You’re Supported Every Step of the WayWith daily training sessions and regular check-ins, you’re never left guessing. You’re part of a team, not on your own.
You Learn Valuable Skills
You Learn Valuable SkillsFrom canine communication to structured training techniques, Puppy Raisers gain hands-on experience and confidence that lasts well beyond the program.
You Join a Mission-Driven Community
You Join a Mission-Driven CommunityPuppy Raisers work alongside trainers and fellow volunteers who share a commitment to ethical, thoughtful service dog development.
You Get to Be Part of a Dog’s Story
You Get to Be Part of a Dog’s StoryWhile the puppy may not stay with you forever, the role you play in their growth becomes part of their lifelong journey.
❓ Puppy Raiser FAQ❓
No. Puppy Raisers are guided by YSDI’s training team. What matters most is your willingness to learn, follow guidance, and communicate openly.
Puppy raising is a daily commitment that becomes part of your routine. This includes daily training sessions, regular communication with trainers, and ongoing practice at home. Specific expectations are discussed before placement to ensure a good fit.
Puppy Raisers cover routine daily living expenses such as food, treats, toys, training tools, and general care items.
YSDI provides veterinary care support. The extent of coverage varies depending on the situation and will be reviewed during onboarding so expectations are clear.
You are never expected to solve challenges on your own. Trainers are available through daily sessions and regular check-ins to help guide you through any concerns.
Not all dogs are suited for service work. Each dog is evaluated throughout the program, and decisions are made with the dog’s well-being and long-term success in mind.
Yes. Many Puppy Raisers balance work or school with raising a puppy. We’ll discuss your schedule during the application process to determine if the role is a good fit.
When a puppy is ready to advance, YSDI coordinates the transition. While saying goodbye can be emotional, many Puppy Raisers find it deeply rewarding to see the dog move forward in their journey.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re interested in becoming a Puppy Raiser with YSDI, we invite you to take the next step.
👉 Apply to Become a Puppy Raiser
👉 Contact us with questions
👉 Attend an informational conversation
Together, we help build the foundation for life-changing partnerships.