Every year, we train and hand over more and more dogs to our visually impaired community in Hungary. This growth is why we are continually expanding our team. Join our mission as a puppy raiser!
We are looking for volunteers to welcome a nine-week-old Labrador puppy into their homes for about one to one and a half years. During this time, the puppy will learn essential skills that will later help them guide a visually impaired person as an adult. Over the 12-18 months of raising, these fluffy bundles will grow into happy, self-confident dogs accustomed to city life. They will be ready to start their “university studies” — meaning they will move to our trainers’ homes to learn the skills needed to guide a blind person, all while still in a family setting.
Throughout the raising period, we are always available to support our puppy raisers, helping them overcome any challenges they face. In this article, we outline what our puppy raisers and their puppies can expect during this crucial period. The countdown begins when the puppies are two months old, as that is when they move into their new homes.
2 MONTHS – The Puppy Arrives in the Family!
Our puppy-raising coordinator will deliver the puppy, along with a “starter package” containing all necessary items (crate, bed, toys, leash, collar, food, etc.). By this time, the puppies will have already received their first two vaccinations at our litter-raising volunteer, and they will arrive chipped and wormed.
The puppies will settle into their new homes gradually. We will start practicing basic obedience commands (e.g., calling, sitting, lying down, staying) for just a few minutes each day. We also provide text, image, and video resources for training.
We will begin acclimating the puppies to urban stimuli, gradually taking them to various places with their raisers. During this month, you should expect 2-3 vet visits, as the puppies’ vaccination series will be in full swing. Our puppy raisers can manage these vaccinations with their veterinarians, though we can recommend trusted professionals if needed. This will typically include the third and fourth vaccinations.
Our puppy coordinator will assist you in filling out the puppy-raising diary on Google Drive. Completing the diary takes approximately 10-15 minutes per month. If you encounter any issues, our puppy coordinator will visit to offer assistance.
3 MONTHS
We hold a puppy meeting on the first Sunday of every month, usually in Budapest. During these meetings, the puppies and their raisers get to know one another, followed by a discussion where raisers can ask questions directly to our staff. These meetings allow raisers to discuss challenges and experiences with our professional team.
Each week, optional programs are available, including joint walks, dog-school-style sessions, and mall visits, where puppies and raisers can train together under professional supervision. The puppy coordinator will gradually shift their focus from home visits to these external programs, as the puppies adapt more easily to their home environment, and external stimuli become increasingly important.
The puppies’ vaccinations will continue, and you can expect 2-3 vet visits during this time, typically for the fifth and sixth vaccinations.
The puppy coordinator will assist you with the puppy-raising diary if needed, which takes about 10-15 minutes per month.
4 MONTHS
We hold a puppy meeting on the first Sunday of the month and weekly optional programs, typically in Budapest. You should expect to attend at least one optional program per month, in addition to the puppy meeting.
During this month, we conduct an urban traffic behavior test: the puppies, accompanied by their raiser, will take a short 10-15 minute walk in a busy area of Budapest with a professional team member. The purpose of the test is to observe how the puppies behave in a stimulating environment. No preparation is necessary.
The puppies will also undergo an orthopedic screening at the Gordiosz Clinic in Budapest. This will take at least half a day, as the puppies will be sedated for the examination. You will need to bring the puppies on an empty stomach, and it’s recommended to arrange a car ride to and from the clinic, as they may feel groggy afterward. They can only eat once the effects of the sedation have worn off.
Typically, by 16 weeks, the puppies will have completed their basic immunization, but like children, they can occasionally fall ill and may need further veterinary attention.
The puppy-raising diary should be completed independently, which takes about 10-15 minutes per month.
5 MONTHS
We hold a puppy meeting on the first Sunday of the month, and weekly optional programs and sessions, usually in Budapest. You should aim to attend at least one optional program per month, in addition to the puppy meeting.
By this stage, the hard work of the first two months will pay off. The puppy will more easily follow household rules, traffic protocols, and walking commands.
The puppy-raising diary takes about 10-15 minutes per month to complete.
6 MONTHS
We hold a puppy meeting on the first Sunday of the month, and weekly optional programs, usually in Budapest. Expect to attend at least one optional program per month, in addition to the puppy meeting.
It’s time for the puppy swap! The puppies will switch places with one of their littermates for two weeks to experience new stimuli they may not have encountered before. This experience is essential as the puppies prepare for their future role as guide dogs. The puppy coordinator will carefully match the puppies for the exchange, considering their individual needs. All puppies will have a good experience. You can read our articles on puppy exchange here and here.
The puppy-raising diary takes about 10-15 minutes per month to complete.
7 MONTHS
We hold a longer puppy meeting on the first Sunday of the month in Budapest, where raisers will discuss their experiences with the puppy exchange under the guidance of our Foundation’s psychologist.
There will be weekly optional programs and classes, usually in Budapest, and it’s advisable to attend at least one optional program per month, in addition to the puppy meeting.
The puppy-raising diary should be completed independently, taking about 10-15 minutes per month.
8-10 MONTHS
We continue to hold puppy meetings on the first Sunday of the month, as well as weekly optional programs during the month, usually in Budapest. It’s a time to enjoy the results of the hard work invested in the previous months.
At 9 months, the puppies will receive their seventh vaccination.
The puppy-raising diary takes about 10-15 minutes per month to complete.
11 MONTHS
Handover training takes place at our center in Miskolc, where we prepare our puppy raisers for the next phase: separation from the puppy and the future relationship with them.
There will be weekly optional programs and classes, typically in Budapest, and it’s advisable to attend at least one per month.
The puppy-raising diary takes about 10-15 minutes per month to complete.
12 MONTHS
Annual health screenings: ophthalmology and orthopedics, conducted at Foundation-designated animal health centers in Budapest.
The orthopedic screening is similar to the one done at 4 months. It will take half a day, as the puppies will be sedated. Please bring them on an empty stomach and arrange a car ride to and from the clinic, as they may be groggy afterward. They can eat only once the effects of the sedation have worn off.
The eye screening is a full-day appointment. The puppies will be given a pupil dilator, so they cannot go for a walk that day. You should plan to keep them inside until the effects wear off, which will be the following day.
One-year GDBART behavioral test. In doing so, based on international standards, we assess which sub-areas we will have to place greater emphasis on for each puppy during the training. Read our article about it here.
13–18 MONTHS
Puppy meetings continue on the first Sunday of every month, and weekly optional walks and classes during the month. It’s recommended to attend at least one optional program per month.
The puppy-raising diary should continue to be completed every month, taking about 10-15 minutes.
By this stage, the puppies will be mature, well-socialized, and well-behaved city dogs, ready for training. The fruits of puppy raising will be evident!
In addition to these regular programs, our Foundation also organizes sensitization sessions, EQ training, and outdoor programs for volunteers several times a year. These events provide opportunities for direct connection with our visually impaired clients through informal conversations.
The puppy-raising period typically ends when the dogs reach 18 months.
Depending on the availability of our trainers, the puppies will undergo training between 12-18 months. The duration of training varies, adapting to each dog’s maturity and development. Training typically takes 6-8 months. During this time, the puppies may visit their original raisers, returning home occasionally for “vacations.” The connection remains strong throughout.
The next litter will be born in mid-January – you can already have a Baráthegyi puppy moving in with you in mid-March 2025! And if you miss this litter, we are already waiting for the arrival of another litter at the beginning of summer, as this is the only way we can ensure the care of guide dogs for our visually impaired people living in Hungary.
If you are interested in our puppy-raising program, click and read the application conditions.
In the meantime, read our other article about puppy-raising here.