Guide Dogs for the Blind Unleashes New Puppy Raising Program to Expand Volunteer Base in Oregon

The new hybrid program will combine online learning with in-person support

Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) aims to broaden its network of volunteer puppy raisers by launching a new puppy raising initiative in Oregon that provides support and education through a hybrid model of online trainings, webinars, and in-person workshops.

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Family in hybrid puppy raising program holding their guide dog puppy, Sandra. (Photo: Business Wire)

Following the success and popularity of a pilot project in Northern California last year, GDB is introducing the new puppy raising model to Oregonians. While the traditional puppy raising model involves frequent in-person club meetings within a close-knit community of puppy raisers, the new approach offers flexibility through a hybrid model of online trainings, webinars, and in-person workshops from the organization’s expert puppy raising team. The new hybrid program is designed to attract applicants who may not live near a puppy club or have lifestyles that do not easily accommodate regular puppy club activities.

“GDB wants to meet volunteers where they are, providing individuals and families with a way to contribute to the guide dog puppy raising program while balancing other commitments and activities,” said Guide Dogs for the Blind President and CEO Christine Benninger. "Our innovative hybrid puppy raising model is geared toward attracting and retaining a broader spectrum of volunteers, ensuring a flexible and enriching experience for all.”

Beginning on February 1, GDB’s Hybrid Puppy Raising team will be accepting interest forms from people who live within 75 miles of its Boring, Oregon campus.

Dedicated volunteer puppy raisers nurture puppies from two to 15 months of age. During this time, they learn how to raise confident, resilient puppies with good manners, and provide many opportunities for socialization activities, laying the foundation for their future roles as guide dogs, K9 Buddies, or GDB breeder dogs. After they reach the age of 15 months, the puppies return to GDB's campus for three months of formal training conducted by professional GDB trainers.

GDB will host an introductory meeting to discuss the hybrid program on March 23 at the Boring campus, and again on March 28 via Zoom. Following this meeting, interested parties can decide which puppy raising model is right for them. Those interested in being considered for participation will fill out an application. For more information, visit the GDB Hybrid Puppy Raising webpage.

About Guide Dogs for the Blind

Headquartered in San Rafael, Calif., Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) is the largest guide dog school in North America. It is a passionate community that prepares highly qualified guide dogs to empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired to move through the world more safely and confidently. More than 16,000 guide teams have graduated from GDB since it was founded in 1942. Over the course of 80 years, GDB’s mission has expanded to three kinds of programs: Guide Dog Mobility Program, Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Program, and K9 Buddy Program. GDB not only improves mobility for its clients, but it also furthers inclusion and advocates for policy reforms that change how the world views blindness. GDB’s services are provided free of charge, and it receives no government funding. The organization was the subject of an award-winning documentary feature called Pick of the Litter, which continues to be available on various streaming platforms. For more information, visit guidedogs.com, or call 800.295.4050.

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