Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland - Waterford
At a glance
Min Hours: Undefined
Tasks:
Puppy fosterers play a vital role in the early socialisation and training of future Assistance Dogs.
We would place an 8-week-old puppy with you to live for approximately 6 months, or if you prefer an older puppy, they would be from 8 to 15 months old.
You will care for the puppy with support from our Puppy Supervisor, who will teach you the fundamentals of puppy socialisation and simple commands to begin the puppy's training. You will be preparing the puppy with the skills needed to become a well-rounded dog that will go on to transform the life of a child with autism.
We cover all costs, food, vet bills, etc., and provide all the equipment you will need.
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland provides highly trained assistance dogs to children with autism. Their dogs provide invaluable support to the children and their families and can have life-changing effects, helping to ensure the child’s physical safety and helping them to integrate into an otherwise isolated world. Their dogs offer safety and peace of mind because they act as an anchor for the child whilst out in public. The child is attached to the assistance dog, thus ensuring they are safe when out with their family. An assistance dog also helps to create a calming influence when the child is anxious and can provide the child with many life-changing benefits such as increased confidence and independence, structure, and consistency.
Where
We are looking for puppy fosterers in County Waterford.
What's Required
As a Puppy Foster volunteer, you will look after one of our puppies in your own home.
You will need to be able to offer time to dedicate to the training and care of the puppy throughout its time living with you.
* You must be aged over 18, with the stamina and ability to manage an active puppy.
* Ideally, you need a safe, enclosed garden, but we can look at this at the time of assessment.
* You need to have access to suitable transport to take the puppy to different places for socialising and training.
* You will need to be available for home visits, able to attend training at our puppy classes, and committed to following AADI’s training methods.
* Previous dog training experience isn’t necessary, but experience with dogs is an advantage, along with good communication skills.
* You should be prepared to deal with a puppy that needs house training and will have accidents in the house for the first few weeks whilst being trained.
* You should be prepared to make your home puppy-proof and move everything out of reach that is chewable (e.g., shoes, phones, remote controls, etc.).
* You should be patient with a puppy that may be anxious and bark at night or when left alone.
Screening Details for this Role
* Application Form
Volunteers will be Provided with the Following Supports
* Support/advice/recognition
* Supervision
* Initial induction and training
* Reimbursement of expenses
* Insurance cover
* Ongoing training opportunities
Benefits You Will Receive as a Volunteer
Puppy fosterers are the backbone of our organisation and are vitally important to the raising of well-rounded dogs, who go on to become qualified assistance dogs for children with autism.
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