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Freedom Service Dogs

Pawsible PRO

Autism Assistance for Children, Mobility Service Dog, Multipurpose Service Dog, Service Dog (Veterans), Military Family Support Dog, Therapy Dog

Labs, Goldens, Lab/Golden Crosses

Assistance Dogs International

Freedom Service Dogs

United States, Colorado, Remote

None

Restrictions

The organization provides:

  • Dog Food

  • General Vet Costs

  • Emergency Vet Costs

  • Flea/Tick and Heartworm Preventatives

  • Crate

  • All Equipment (Collars, Leashes, etc.)

  • Ear Cleaner

  • Treat Pouch

  • Vest

  • ID Tag(s)

  • Toys


Raisers pay for:

  • Brush

  • Bowl

  • Nail Clippers

  • Treats


If raisers are limited financially, FSD can provide additional supplies on a case by case basis (slow feeder, additional toys, grooming supplies).

Supplies & Financial 

Assistance

The Basics:

Socialization, Grooming & Handling, Potty Training, House Manners, Loose Leash Walking, Basic Obedience Cues (Sit, Down, Stand, Stay, etc.), Self-Control around Distractions, & Public Access Behavior


Advanced Cues:

Possible

Training Responsibilities

  • Complete general volunteer onboarding 

  • Application

  • Home inspection form

  • Background check

  • Hands on walking class

  • Puppy raiser specific onboarding

  • Three Zoom sessions: Program overview, Clicker training, Puppy handling

  • Auditing a puppy class

Process

Local raisers are required to attend one monthly session (class or outing), satellite raisers are required to submit a short video each month followed up by a 1 hour Zoom call, which goes over the video and items to work on. All raisers will be required to submit a 10 month Walk and Talk, as well as a 12 month Walk and Talk for satellite raisers.

Time Commitment

  • After 12 months of age

Neuter/Spay

  • Flat Collar 

  • Gentle Leader/Head Collar

Training Equipment

FSD has a written manual along with a Puppy Raiser Resource Portal that is constantly being updated.

Training Guidance

Raisers are requested to return their dogs to the FSD campus typically around 16 months old. FSD occasionally provides transportation depending on the number of dogs returning and the raiser’s financial limitations. FSD holds an “in for training” celebration for the raisers and their puppies, complete with cake (for dogs and humans), a slideshow explaining the IFT process, updates on all the dogs in the puppy’s cohort, photo opportunities, and customized gifts for the raisers. Once the dogs return for formal training, raisers receive monthly updates from the dog’s trainer. If the dog is placed with a client, the raiser receives a phone call followed up by an email, an additional email with photos upon graduation, and a final update after the team has been home for a month or so.

Matriculation

Once puppies are ready to return to FSD for formal training, FSD holds a In for Training (IFT) celebration for raisers. When a client/dog team graduates, the client receives the contact information for their dog’s raiser and is encouraged to reach out. FSD also gives raisers the opportunity to send the Puppy Development team photos, toys, and updates to share with the client.

Graduation

Being a smaller program allows FSD to truly customize the puppy raising experience to fit the needs of each volunteer, client, and dog. Once puppies complete their on-campus nursery socialization, they are transferred to a local correctional facility where they spend two months learning basic cues and house behaviors. This program allows for FSD to place puppies with raisers at a slightly older age, better suiting many individuals who have more rigid work schedules and cannot devote the time for younger puppies. Dogs in for formal training go home with volunteer fosters on the weekend, during holidays, and any other times where their trainers are out for an extended period of time, minimizing kennel stress and allowing for more lengthy customized training.

Uniqueness

 To gather the most up to date and accurate information about an organization it is best to contact them directly. Pawsible is not partnered with all listed organizations and does not formally endorse every listed organization.

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