• Co-Raisers must both attend at least 3 classes a month. Each raiser must attend at least 1 off-campus class. Meaning your dog should be attending at least 2 off-campus classes a month not back to back.

  • Including 1 preschool/kindergarten if applicable to your puppy

• Sitters must attend at least 3 classes a month. Including 1 sitter/pr class a month. Off-campus is not required, but heavily encouraged.

• Attend as many classes as you can, you and your pup will only benefit.

• If you are having trouble attending classes, please let you A/C or GL know BEFORE you fail to meet the requirements.

Please do not come to class or bring your dog out in public without the following:

• Clean Up Kit

  • Poop bags, Paper towels, Wipes

• Treat Pouch with enough kibble

  • Always keep extra kibble in your bag!

• Water & Bowl

• A toy for settling (6 months and under)

• Your pup's vest

• Your pup's ID card

• No more than 2-3 dogs at a playdate

• Maximum 30 minutes per play date

  • The shorter the better

• Maximum of 1 play date a day but really no more than a few a week

• Must play in an enclosed area

  • You can play at TerpRow & the Domain dog park

• No playdates by ESJ or any other academic buildings

• Don’t allow your pup to play with any of the dogs they have had an issue with

  • If you are a puppy sitter, please ask the raiser about their puppy's play date guidelines before taking them. Do not take a puppy to a playdate without having talked to their raiser about it.

• During play dates, watch your dog’s body language and intervene by leaving if your dog tells you/the other dog they’ve had enough/is playing too roughly

  • Leave after the first sign

  • Barking/ growling/ humping is unacceptable

• If your pup is going to a playdate for the first time, there should only be 1 other dog around the same age as your pup

• You can play individually with your pup on campus as long as you are holding the leash at all times

• If you need ideas on ways to tire out your pup besides a play date ask your AC!!

• Mental stimulation is key

• Below are guidelines and pointers for posting pictures, videos, and captions on social media. Remember, during your time as a puppy raiser, you are an ambassador for the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs to the public. Please follow these guidelines when posting on social media.

• If you have created a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc) for the pup you are raising, please notify the following people:

• Your advisor

• Rebecca Eden Rebecca@guidedog.org , our internet marketing coordinator

• Allison Storck Allison@guidedog.org , our public relations specialist

• Do use captions that describe what you’re doing in the photo! For example, “Today Rudy and I worked on self-control at the pet store! We walked by different animals and all the food aisles. Rudy was a little sniffy at first, but he did great!”

• You can be honest about what the pup is working on but present it in a positive manner. People don’t want to hear how “terrible, bad, awful, etc.” the pup was in the caption.

• Do not show a young puppy off leash or not attached to a person in a public place. If the dog has a reliable stay and you are in an enclosed area, you can speak to your advisor or area coordinator regarding having the dog unattached in public for photo opportunities.

• Failure to follow this rule will result in possible removal of the dog from your possession. We do not want our pups placed in an unsafe scenario for a cute picture.

• Do not post any photos or video relating to medical or health related issues

• This includes skin, eyes, gastrointestinal issues

• Do post photos or video of the pup at the vet. The caption can read something along the lines of “Dakota did great at the vet today. We were here for a checkup and she remained calm and happy the whole time”

• Do tag @guidedogfoundation and @americasvetdogs

• Do post photos or video that show your puppy socializing, playing, having fun, and learning!

• Do post photos or video in appropriate places like the home, safe public outings, and public transportation

• Do share your progress or success!

• Do Not post any captions that relay frustration or negativity like “Sam was TERRIBLE today. She barked at people, chewed on her leash, and was so bad!”

• Do Not post photos or video with the pup chewing or playing with an inappropriate toy or item

• Do Not post photos or video with the pup on any type of furniture

• Do Not post photos or video with the pup eating inappropriate treats

• Do Not post photos or video of the pup doing anything inappropriate like jumping on people, mouthing someone, barking

*Please remember that these guidelines apply to all forms of social media including: SnapChat*