Take your pup's water away no later than 7pm. Make sure they do both busies right before they go to bed. If they're having to do a number 2 in the middle of the night try feeding them earlier. Young pups may benefit from a crate divider.

Do not scold your pup for going inside. If you catch them busying inside -- pick them up and take them out! Stay out with your pup until they busy. It may take 20 minutes! If they don't go put them in their crate for 5-10 minutes and try again. This isn't a punishment. Show them how proud you are when they do it! Treats, Praise, etc. Reinforce it by saying “Good Busy!” Keep a schedule, so you know when they will have to go. Use this to record when they busy outside, as well as accidents, so you can begin to try to prevent them. https://puppyraising.guidedog.org/PuppyRaising/PuppyRaiserManual/Relieving/Relieving_Log.aspx ALWAYS take your puppy out to busy when they wake up from a nap. If you have to walk far from your apartment to the busy location and it has been a while since the puppy has busied, carry them all the way to the busy location. Take your young puppy out to busy at least every two hours.

An accident is any unplanned relieving. When your puppy busies it should be on your terms. If the busy was not initiated by you, then it is an accident. If your puppy indicates to you that he needs to busy, it's an accident. Ideally your pup should only be asked to busy before you go somewhere or after you get there--not on the route.

1. Pick a designated busy spot and always take your pup to this spot. Use the same door when going to the spot. Carry your puppy to this spot to prevent accidents. 2. Give the verbal cue "busy" and allow them to circle around you 3. You should stay stationary and allow your pup to circle around you. Do not move to a new spot or allow your pup to drag you. 4. When your pup relieves themselves say good busy and praise them. 5. Make your pup circle you 2-3 more times after they busy then give a release command (such as "okay") and walk away from the busy spot

Know that this is a phase. It will pass. Make sure you’re teaching your pup that after 10 minutes the food is taken away. Try hand feeding the pup -- you can practice eye contact and name recognition while doing so! Do not add anything to the food. They must learn to eat when their food is offered. If your pup seems to not be reacting well to the food, let your A/C know.

Know that this is a phase. It will pass. Try mixing in approved treats to keep the pup interested. Give lots of verbal praise, so they know that they are doing a good job.

Your pup should be getting dinner no later than 6:30pm. IFT dogs get dinner around 4:00pm.

GDF Pups need to be on one of the foods below: Iams Proactive Health Nature's Select Classic Formula (ask about GDF discount) Purina One SmartBlend Purina Pro Plan Focus or Savor (Attend a class with Melissa H for coupons!) If you decide to transition your pup from one food to another make sure to transition them slowly.

Your pup should be eating all of his meals in the crate with the door shut. Your pup is ready to eat out of the crate when the following are met: 1. Eats all of his food 2. Is accepting of the crate 3. Reliabily waits for the three whistles to begin eating When your dog has met the above requirements, you may ask them to go to their "place" at meal time.

You must whistle feed your pup everytime you feed him a meal Begin with your puppy on leash with the leash relaxed in your hand Have your puppy sit Place the food bowl infront of your puppy Whistle 3 times Let the puppy eat

Put a toy in the food bowl Use a cookie sheet instead of a bowl Use a slow feeder bowl Add enough water to the bowl so that the food floats

Our pup's "treats" are their normal dog food. Add the pup's lunch to the treat pouch. Make sure you have enough kibble in your treat pouch. Puppies need lots of reward! Always have extra food in your backpack.

High quality dog biscuits in small size. Up to 3 biscuits per day. Mini Milkbones Zuke's Cut up Pupperoni Cut up Blue Dog Bakery Softies Merrick Power Bites Crazy Dog Train Me! Minis Freeze Dried Liver Buffalo Blue Bits Raw, unpeeled carrots Apples. Remove the seeds and core. Ice cubes Raw, fresh string beeds. Up to 3 string beans per day.

To prevent accidents with young pups do not fill the water bowl completely, only fill the bottom of the water bowl and be ready to take your pup out when they drink. Our pups need a steady supply of fresh water. Provide access to fresh, clean water all day. A healthy dog will only drink as much water as he or she needs to stay hydrated. Carry a water bowl and water with you when you are walking to and from classes and going on outings. When your dog is having 0 accidents, you may start leaving a full water bowl out for them.

Wait until you're instructed to do so How to transition: Days 1 to 3: For each meal combine ¾ cup puppy food with ¼ cup adult food. Days 4 to 6: For each meal ½ cup puppy food with ½ cup adult food. Days 7 to 10: For each meal ¼ cup puppy food with ¾ cup adult food. *If the puppy’s stool becomes soft during the weaning process, stay at that level of food until its stool firms up again and then continue with the weaning. For example, if the stool becomes soft when you get to the ½ and ½, stay at that level until the stool firms up again. Then continue with the schedule.

Dandruff can pop up when your puppy is stressed. If your pup is having constant dandruff, there are a few things you can try before consulting your AC. 1. Make sure you're not overbathing your puppy. 2. Brush them more 3. Consult with your AC about fish oil pills.

You should be checking your pups nails at least once a week when you're practicing body handling. A pup's nails are too long when you can hear them tapping on the ground. Puppy Raisers SHOULD NOT be cutting their puppy's nails if they are inexpereinced. Ask Deana, an AC, or a GL to cut your puppy's nails. You can also take your puppy to the vet or certain pet stores to get their nails cut--you must pay for this on your own.

If your dog has diarrhea, please consult your A/C on whether to use Flagyll or Chicken & Rice.

How to clean your pup's ears Hold pup's ear open Fill the ear canal with cleaning solution Gently massage at the base of the ear Let the puppy shake Gentle wipe the outer ear with a clean cotton ball Repeat until the cotton ball is clean Daily ear checks Sniff test Clean ears have a doggy smell but not an unpleasant smell Signs of infection Redness Unpleasant odor or discharge Tenderness Dark wax or debris

Only bathe your pup when wiping them down with a wet cloth is insufficient. Excessive shampooing dries out a pup's coat and skin and removes flea/tick products. A bath once every two months is more than enough. Bathing your pup Use a mild puppy shampoo Do not use any shampoo with flea or tick control

After 6 months of age, you should brush your pup's teeth regularly. Brushing your pup's teeth: Limit sessions to 1 minute each Use a dog appropirate toothbrush and toothpaste Concentrate on areas where the tooth meets the gum Praise the pup during and after each session

GDF pays for Vet bills. You must choose an Accepted Vet. Check out our resources page for Accepted Vets. If you want an office added to the list, reach out to your AC. If it is an emergency, please take your dog to the closest Animal Hospital. It does not need to be on the list. CALL YOUR AC as soon as possible. You will be asked to pay and GDF will reimburse you. If you can't pay, talk to your AC and we will have someone pay in your place. How to get started at the vet: Call the vet and make an appointment. Let them know you're raising a GDF pup. GDF will handle all billing. If you have any issues, tell your AC.

The first day of every month. Heart Worm medication can be given to your dog like a treat or put in their food. Flea and Tick medication is put between the shoulder blades (where the pup can't reach) directly on the skin. Avoid touching the area for the next few days. Make sure you are giving the correct medication for your pup's weight. If you need more, ask your AC.

Remove the tick with tweezers. Apply neosporin or peroxide to the site. Check the area to make sure it is healing properly. It should dry up and scab over. Our pups are vaccinated for Lyme, so do not worry unless the area looks concerning :)

If you're pup has giardia or coccidia, you can still attend classes. Any other parasites (or illnesses) please ask your AC before coming. Attending classes with a parasite: Inform the leader of the class that your pup has a parasite, so they can tell everyone to keep their pup away from your pup. Do your best to keep your pup away from the other pups. Most importantly keep other pups away from your dog's bottom. Please busy your dog away from the normal class busy spot. Parasites most commonly spread through feces. Let any sitters know that your pup has a parasite. Sitters should be wiping down crates and any other shared equipment with soap/water or baby wipes after having a dog with a parasite.

Around 7 months. Remember to start when you still have some puppy food left so you can properly transition them.

Your puppy should never be left unsupervised unless they are in their crate with their collar off. Young pups should be on leash, tethered to you in the apartment/home. The best way to avoid your pup chewing something is to catch them before they do it. If you cannot pay attention to your pup, put them in the crate or on the tie down. If you’re outside and see your pup eyeing up the mulch, for example, get their attention off of it.

Nine month old puppies with great house manners can start to be left alone, out of the crate for short periods of time. The puppy raiser manual provides a great checklist for this.

Try to be proactive and never give your pup these opportunities. Using the tie down will help. If you're pup does jump: Tell the puppy "off" and make him get off Mark for the good behavior If you're pup is jumping on the passenger seat of the car: Put something on the passenger seat such as a backpack Give your pup a toy in the car. You can give them a kong with frozen kibble inside.

The tie down is used to teach your pup to calmly stay in one place. Reward the pup for remaining quiet and calm. Never leave your pup unattended on tie down. Using the tie down: Pick a safe, visible spot to attach the tie down. Make sure the spot is strong enough that it will not fall over. (couch, heavy table, bed) The area needs to be free of items the pup will chew. If your pup is still working on accepting the tie-down, tire them out beforehand to ensure success! Attach your pup to the tie down in a positive way. Once your pup is calm, praise them. Remember to continue praising them if they are behaving.

This is a very important skill that needs a lot of work! Be working on this as soon as you get your puppy. Practice sessions should be frequent until your pup is comfortable. Do not wait until you have to leave your pup home alone. Take your puppy's leash and collar off just like you would be leaving. Put them in the crate with a toy like you would do if you were leaving. Leave the room for a minute, return, and treat them. Continue working on elongating and varying the time you're leaving the room. Once your puppy is ok with you leaving the room, start back at the beginning, but this time leave the apartment. If you are working on this skill, visit your neighbors, let them know and offer them your cell number, so they can contact you first if it becomes a problem. We want to avoid complaints to apartment buildings as this is hard to resolve. And remember if your pup is not able to *quietly* stay alone for the amount of time you need, find a sitter. If your pup is struggling with this, please let your AC know.

Rather than picking a specific age for sleeping outside the crate, it is important to see the proper behavior development: First and foremost, the puppy should be able to sleep and rest in its crate with no barking or whining, whether the PR is in the same room as the puppy or out of sight. It is VERY important that each puppy demonstrates the ability to sleep at night both quietly in the raiser's room as well as in a room separated from the raiser. When you return to your home and the puppy is in the crate, he or she should remain quiet until let out, even if you need a few minutes to put away groceries, books, etc. Your puppy should be very comfortable and experienced with tie down with no chewing or licking of bedding or furniture. Once all these criteria are met and the puppy is at least six months old, then PRs can begin to put the dog on tie down next to their bed. If issues arise, e.g., the puppy tries to jump onto the bed or whines or chews inappropriately, they should be put back into the crate for a few weeks before trying again. Before retrying the overnight tie down, the areas of weakness must be worked on again...e.g., work on tie down manners and such. After a puppy is comfortable in tie down at night outside the crate, PRs can have the puppy off tie down at night in a CLEAN room free of laundry, wires and other tempting items. Please always remember that a puppy should not be left in tie down unattended.

In short, GDF pups cannot have squeaky toys, plush toys, or rope toys. Our dogs love antlers, nylabones, and kong products. Please review the manual on what is acceptable. This file also is a great resource. If you're ever unsure, send a pic to your AC and they will be happy to tell you!

When your puppy is done their two week quarentine and has gotten a stool sample cleared by the vet he/she may have their first play date. Remeber to keep the first play date small, in an enclosed area, and with pups around the same age.

Your pup should only be playing in fenced in areas, unless the pup is on a long lead Do not chase your pup Indoor playtime should be quiet and low key Do not permit roughousing in the house Swimming Do not run or jog with your pup on the leash

Heavy panting Attempting to lie down Moving slowly Unwilling to continue Heavy breathing Exhibiting unacceptable behaviors with other dogs Play time does not need to be any longer than 30 minutes.

Vocalizing Mouthing Snapping Barking Jumping on humans Chasing humans Mounting humans or objects Use the "enough" command to calm your pup down when playtime is over. If your pup is exhibiting these behaviors, please let your AC know.

No academic buildings Any open area is ok if you're pup is on a long lead and you're holding it at all times Domain TerpRow

The professors and GDF expect your pup to be in an under or next to your seat. You must hold the leash at all times. If your pup is chewing on the leash during class, bring your tie-down. Your pup can have a toy. Try to choose a quiet toy and one that won't roll away. West Paw Bumis and Kong Bones are great choices. Your pup should be wearing his vest when he is inside any campus buildings.

Only the handler can carry the pup when he is wearing his vest. Your friends can carry your pup if the vest is off.

Bars: No Your pup can not go to any campus bar If you believe it is ok to take your pup to a bar, ask your AC for permission before going. Tailgates: No If you believe it is ok to take your pup to a tailgate, ask your AC for permission before going. Brewery: Ask your AC for permission before going.

We do not want our pups to fear the public; however, we do not want to encourage the students to stop all GDF pups and ask to pet them. It is best to not allow your dog to be pet while on campus. Most students know to not pet the pups while in vest, but if someone asks please respond: "No, he's working right now but thank you for asking!"

Please send out the email we created to your professors before classes begin. Sitters and prosective puppy raisers may modify the email before sending. If your professor has questions, they can contact UMD disability services. If your professor still has questions, they can contact Georgia Gaylor at gaylorgeorgia@yahoo.com

No Our pups are not permitted to go to lab classes, not even dry labs. Please find a sitter ahead of time for your pup while you will be in lab.

Just like classes, at work your puppy should be learning to settle. You should not be playing with your puppy or allowing your puppy to play with your co-workers or any other dogs that may be there. Your puppy should ALWAYS be in their vest inside buildings. Your pup should be on tie-down or you need to have control of the leash. If your puppy is not in control in on-campus offices, we will hear about it and your employer reserves the right to ask you not to bring him back. Please let your AC know if you are having issues getting your pup to settle before it becomes a problem! Remember you are ambassadors and we want to remain on good terms with the University and other companies/businesses.

Schedule time to tire out your pup before work/class. Remember this doesn't have to be a playdate. Do some obedience, go for walk, work on stairs, etc. Make sure your pup is recently busied and has had enough water. Try an enticing toy like a kong filled with frozen kibble. Bring a place mat. This helps some dogs understand what they're supposed to be doing. Do a short training session (if possible) Ex: Work on Touch or basic obedience

Please choose Melissa Harrington.

We love to hear everything that is going on with your pup, but your report should reflect what behaviors are being seen most often. So if one time last week your pup rushed through the door, but every other time your pup is great, please check "is learing to wait at doors".

Yes. It is for the breeding program and needs to be completed both times.

The report needs to be completed by the end of the month in which you were sent the reminder. That means even if your pup doesnt turn 8 months until Jan 31 that report needs to be filled out in January. Set a reminder in your phone for mid month so that it is closer to when he is actually that age!

Puppy Reports are to be filled out online at 4,6,8,10,12,14,16 months & IFT. You will get an automated email on the 1st of the month reminding you. All reports must be filled out before your dog can go IFT, SO please fill them out in a timely manner. These reports help us see how your puppy is progressing in all areas including: health, house manners, socialization, and other skills. The reports are sent to Deana and Melissa who read over them and discuss them with your AC. Your AC will give you advice on any areas of concern.

Yes. Each co-raiser should fill out a puppy report.

Humping can be caused by the dog being in-tact or a sign of dominance. Be stern with your puppy if they are humping. If they are on you, someone else, or another object say “OFF” & gently push them off. Make sure to praise your puppy with “Good off” once they stop! Distract your puppy with some obedience training. Otherwise your pup is going to be focused on humping again.

Be stern and use the command “QUIET”. Reinforce it when they stop with “Good quiet” and treats. If the puppy is crying or barking at night, make sure their crate is in your room. Do not let the puppy out of the crate until they are quiet. Very young puppies might cry or bark in their crate when alone. It is important to quickly teach them to settle and be quiet in the crate. If you are struggling with the puppy understanding “quiet”, contact your AC.

For the first two weeks your pup is on quarentine. This means they can only attend puppy preschool classes. If after the first two weeks your pup has been diagnosed with an illness, inform your AC and ask them what classes you may attend.

Your pup should be comfortable with both. You can ask your AC for a gentle leader to try. You can also buy a gentle leader here if you wish. (size medium, color/ pattern does not matter) Gentle leader Has a "break" and a "gas" Usually used for slower dogs Figure 8 All "break" Usually used for dogs that tend to pull See the manual or ask someone how to put it on if you are unsure. Remember to never use a leash correction with a dog's head collar. Your puppy does not need to have both, so please figure out what your puppy does best in and return the other to your AC so that we have enough supplies to go around :)

This is normal for the first few months Take your pup out when they cry and DO NOT MAKE IT FUN. Take them out to busy and put them right back in the crate. Make sure they do both busies before bed Take away water by 7 pm If you're pup is waking up to go #2, feed them dinner earlier

Talk to your AC if you are interested in traveling with your pup. When traveling with your pup: Make sure your pup is wearing his GDF dog tags at all times. Look up the service dog in training laws for the state you are visiting. Carry your pup's ID card around at all times in case you run in to trouble. If you need advice on flying or taking the train with your pup, your AC can direct you to someone experienced. But remember if you're going on vacation, it's ok to enjoy yourself and not have to worry about your pup--we have tons of sitters willing to take over!

Thanks for asking! It is so important that we keep our vests in good condition so that they can be used for years to come and our puppies reflect well on GDF. Vests can be Put in the washer on the delicate cycle. Close all buckles. Handwashed. Scrub with dish soap and a cloth. Be careful of the lettering. Hung to dry. Please do not put your pup's vest in the dryer. You will be charged for any Ruffwear vests that are ruined (not reuseable).

Use the Puppy Hold! Check out the video on our resources page for a demonstration.

GDF pups need to be wearing a plastic, snap buckle collar with their rabies and GDF tag at ALL times (except when in the crate). GDF recommends Premimum TuffLock collars.

Check out our Getting Started page! 1. Fill out an application at https://www.guidedog.org/puppyraiserapplication#vaff If you are interested in becoming a puppy sitter, you can put it in the notes at the end. 2. Attend an info session

You can email us at gdfumd@gmail.com

About once a semester we will put out a Group Leader interest form. These oppouruntites come depending on the growth of the program and the graduation of current leaders. When choosing our Group Leaders were looking for someone who: Has lots of free time to lead classes, do 1-on-1s, answer questions, help with info sessions, perform administrative tasks, and attend seminars and meetings Has met the attendace requirements for the past two months has great communication skills accepts and executes the advice given to them has the expereince and knowledge to answer difficult questions is a great ambassador for GDF! A GL can be a raiser or a sitter. Don't be afraid to apply or ask your AC/GL about it. The worst we can say is "not yet" :) Here are some things you can do to better your chances of being chosen as a GL: Provide appropriate and correct advice to new raisers This can be as simple and helpful as "reach out to your AC" Come to as many classes as you can Volunteer at events Follow social media guidelines and show us the training you're doing outside of class! Remember training should be appropriate for your dog's age and ability. Read the manual Have strong and nice(!) communication with your AC/GL Show your AC that you are executing the advice given to you

Group Leaders and Area Coordinators are unpaid volunteers that want to put even more time in to GDF. They read and answer lots of emails. They lead classes and support classes run by our Puppy Program Reps. They answer questions and frequently check in with their raisers. ACs are responsible for about 6 puppies each GLs are responsible for sitters They keep track of class attendance. They assess puppy and raiser needs. They attend meetings and additional trainings. They are the "Instagram Police" and ensure everyone is following social media guidelines. They oversee fundraising efforts. They work with Prospective Raisers and Sitters. They assist with transports. They are available almost 24/7 to handle emergencies. They are always thinking of ways to make our program better and more sucessful. They are students and puppy raisers just like you. So be patient :)

All fundraising needs to be overseen by GDF and therefore we have put our Group Leaders in charge of it. That being said we want our volunteers to really take control of fundraising. At the beginning of each semester, we put out a fundraising interest form. Look out for this! Everyone who fills out the interst form is invited to join our fundraising team. After we get our team assembled, we have a meeting to come up with a few good ideas to work on throughout the semester and split up in to committees so that we can really dedicate time to those ideas and make them successful fundraisers!

Our current Club President is Destiny. Our current Club Treasurer is Scott. To streamline communications and tasks we are only allowing GLs or ACs to fill these positions. The President and Treasurer are the university's first line of communication with our club. As far as our club's organization, these postisions hold very little value. We are not filling any other club positions as we do not need them.

IFT stands for in for training. This is when the dogs return to GDF/AVD in Smithtown to finish their training.

Pups go IFT between 14-18 months. This is after they have passed both their 12 & 15 month YODA and are free of any behavioral issues.

The whole process is generally 14 weeks. 12 weeks of training with their certified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor and 2 weeks of class where they meet and start to build a relationship with their new handler.

You will recieve an email or phone call from Deana or Melissa saying that your pup is listed on the recall. This could be anywhere from a few months to a few weeks before. If your pup is of an eligible age and standing, always be ready for the possibility that he could get pulled. If your pup is getting close, reach out to your AC to see if they could be on a future recall.