How do I become a puppy raiser?

Please contact our New Member Liaison, Kym Smythe, at kymlc@yahoo.com, or our Seeing Eye Coordinator, Kimberly Winnington, at kwinnington@seeingeye.org, if you are interested!

In general, after attending a few meetings and filling out a puppy‑raising application, most raisers will wait a few months (or longer for specific breed requests) to receive a 7–8‑week‑old puppy to raise in their home. Puppy raisers will keep their puppy for approximately 12–16 months.

The Seeing Eye breeds German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador/Golden Crosses. Raisers may request a breed or gender, or choose to accept the first available puppy. Puppy raisers can be as young as nine years old, and many families raise together.

Do I have to join the club to raise a puppy?

Yes. All potential puppy raisers must join their local club and become active members in monthly meetings and activities. If you are local to Delaware, please contact Kym Smythe at kymlc@yahoo.com or Kimberly Winnington at kwinnington@seeingeye.org. If you are not located in Delaware, please check The Seeing Eye’s website for a list of club locations throughout New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

What identifies a Seeing Eye puppy?

The Seeing Eye provides each puppy with a green bandana (for younger puppies) or a green vest (for puppies over six months) to identify them in public. Please do not pet or call out to a dog wearing one of these bandanas or vests. When the puppy becomes a guide dog, unexpected interactions can distract both the dog and handler. Instead, speak directly to the handler — we’re always happy to talk and often able to let you meet the puppy!

Can I raise in my apartment complex?

With prior approval from your leasing office, puppies can be raised in apartments. Our Area Coordinator and Club Leader can help provide documentation confirming that your puppy is a Seeing Eye puppy and not a pet.

Can I bring the puppy to work with me?

Although working Seeing Eye dogs are allowed access to all public places, Seeing Eye puppies are not. Raisers must check with managers or owners before bringing a puppy into a public place to ensure it is permitted. The club can help guide you on how to ask for permission. The Seeing Eye does not encourage taking puppies to food stores or restaurants.

What kind of training do puppy raisers teach their Seeing Eye puppies?

Raisers teach basic obedience and provide plenty of social exposure and love. At each meeting, a training circle reviews core obedience skills such as sit, down, rest, and recall. Puppies are not taught to “heel,” but instead to maintain a firm, steady pull. They also learn good house manners, including staying off furniture, not jumping on people, not barking or whining, and avoiding people food.

Some additional commands we use that are unique:

• Park Time — A cue used when your pup needs to eliminate. It lets the puppy know it’s time to use the bathroom.
• Rest — The pup must stay in place, whether sitting or standing, until called. This replaces the traditional “stay.”
• Forward — Used when you want your pup to move forward after a “rest” or “sit” command. This helps the puppy learn to lead you as you begin walking again.