Puppy Socialiser
Would you like to help make a difference?
We’re always looking for families, couples, retirees, and individuals who can devote the time, energy, and love needed to socialise and nurture a VWD puppy. Volunteer puppy socialisers provide a safe home, attend training, maintain a healthy diet, enable socialisation, and give the affection that’s essential to a puppy’s development as a future assistance dog.
Every hour you put in will shape a puppy’s future. You’ll take them to various locations, introduce them to different people and animals, and teach them how to behave calmly in public — skills they’ll need in their future role.
Who Can Apply?
You must be at least 18 to become a puppy socialiser. Under‑18s can take part if an adult parent/guardian is a co‑applicant. All our pups are selected for health, temperament, and potential as assistance dogs. The experiences you provide in these early months are invaluable.
What’s Involved?
- Provide a safe, loving home for 12–18 months
- Attend and complete all scheduled puppy classes
- Take the puppy on daily outings for socialisation
- Support with positive, reward‑based training
- Encourage calm, controlled public behaviour
- Accompany to shops, cafés, workplaces and on trips
We’ll cover costs, provide equipment, and offer expert support. You’ll start with an eight‑week‑old puppy and foster them until they’re matched to a veteran and move on to advanced training with our expert trainers.
“The reward‑based training methods taught by VWD transformed our puppy socialising experience. Watching our puppy choose to make the right decisions rather than being forced into them was remarkable. From navigating busy shopping centres to settling quietly in restaurants, each achievement felt like a shared victory.”
Temporary & Respite Homes
Sometimes a long‑term volunteer can’t continue due to life changes. We need short‑term puppy socialisers to care for puppies until a new placement is found. You might also provide cover during holidays or emergencies.
It’s fun, uplifting, and vital to our mission — but it’s also a serious commitment to shaping the early life of a future assistance dog.
