The Puppies Guiding Eyes breeds Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers from lines that have exhibited the traits required for being a guide, such as excellent health and a confident, serene and friendly temperament. Puppies are tested when they are seven weeks old. Those that show promise as potential guide dogs are matched with waiting raisers.

After the pups have matured, they return to Guiding Eyes for the Blind for testing, and then may continue on to formal training as guide dogs. Each dog that completes the training provides invaluable independence, mobility and companionship for a carefully matched blind person. The realization of dog and person together as a team is an exciting and emotional experience shared on graduation day, when raisers, students and staff witness the culmination of the rigorous training that students and dogs have undergone.

The Raisers
Our puppy raisers are of all ages, family situations and walks of life; but they all have one thing in common--they share their love and time, providing pups with the support and direction needed to prepare them for formal training as guide dogs. Most raisers keep the pup throughout its first 14 to 20 months. Others enjoy starting a pup during its early months and having another raiser finish the pup. Some raisers work with older pups needing puppy-sitting or extra socialization time. A puppy raiser's primary responsibility is to provide a safe and supportive home for the pup as it grows up. In addition, raisers house-train, teach manners and basic obedience, familiarize the pups with everyday experiences and introduce them to a wide variety of situations and environments, and attend local socialization classes and quarterly puppy evaluations. No prior experience is necessary to be a puppy raiser, as Guiding Eyes will provide training and support for anyone who is committed.

Support
When someone decides to take on the responsibility of raising a GEB puppy, he or she is not alone! Each raiser receives a puppy raising manual, training video and expert advice on how to raise a mature confident dog. Guiding Eyes also provides collars, ID tags and a crate for each pup. All raisers in the Cuyahoga region attend puppy socialization classes on Thursday evenings. Although raisers are responsible for food, flea/tick prevention and toys, much of the pups' medical attention is provided by Guiding Eyes and donated local veterinary care. There are even volunteer puppy sitters available to take care of pups when their raisers leave town.

What Next?
People interested in raising a puppy must attend regional puppy socialization classes and complete a puppy raiser application. Eligible applicants are interviewed and carefully matched with an appropriate pup.

For more information, read the frequently asked questions page or contact us!