Pathway to Puppy! Self-Study

New Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) puppy raising volunteers are assigned self-study learning modules as part of a guided “Learning Path” through our Litmos online learning platform. The topics covered in Pathway to Puppy are outlined below, with links to the relevant sections of the Guidebook. For new puppy raising volunteers, reach out to your GDB support team if you have not yet received instructions for accessing the Litmos platform.

The online self-study program offers a guided tour of the basics of our puppy raising program, with a focus on policies, procedures, and general concepts. Be sure to check with your GDB support team (leader, or puppy raising field manager) about opportunities for hands-on practice of FUNdamental puppy handling skills. 

The self-study courses include: 

• An overview of the program
• Volunteer and dog policies
• A broad overview of the puppy raising curriculum (specific training and handling skills will be taught in person)

This path provides a brief overview of GDB and the puppy raising program. It covers the basic commitments of a puppy raising volunteer and what our goals are at the end of puppy raising for dogs returning to GDB for the next steps in their journey. The information comes from:

1. Welcome to Guide Dogs for the Blind
2. Guide Dogs for the Blind Puppy Raising Volunteers
3. Ready for Recall

This path covers important policies our puppy raising volunteers agree to in order to help all people and dogs have fun and be safe while participating in the program. These include:

1. GDB Values and Behaviors and Puppy Raising Guiding Principles
2. Additional Volunteer Expectations
3. Joining a GDB Puppy Club
4. Puppy Raising Volunteer Application Process

This path gives a quick introduction to policies related to puppies. From veterinary care to public access policies, and everything in between!

1. Maximizing Puppy Wellbeing and Safety
2. Health Care Policies
3. Veterinary Care Policies 
4. Nutritional Policy and Feeding Guidelines
5. Confinement Policy
6. Vehicle and Travel Policies
7. Puppy Socialization Policy 
8. Public Access Policy
9. Exercise, Play, and Toy Policies
10. Swimming, Wading, and Watercraft Policies
11. Female Dogs in Season Policy 

This path introduces the main areas of focus for puppies in the following age groups:

1. Bringing Home a Guide Dog Puppy (2-5 Month Overview)
2. Let’s Grow! (6-10 Month Overview)
3. Next Stop, College! (11+ Month Overview)