Puppy Raising Training Evaluation

Reasons a GDB Puppy of Recall Age May Undergo a Training Evaluation
Puppy Raising Field Managers (PFMs) evaluate puppies in the field on a regular basis and communicate with leaders and raisers about the puppies’ progress. As a young dog approaches recall age, there are occasionally situations where the dog may be on the borderline of being ready for recall and the PFM may consult with their puppy raising program manager (PRPM) to discuss next steps. Occasionally, they will decide to approach the Training team and request an on-campus evaluation for a dog to see how it will do in a training environment with professional handling.

Procedures

• If a dog is accepted for an evaluation, the PFM will confirm that all relevant documents are available, including the Final Report, Fun Things, and PFM and raiser evaluations and reports
• Transportation will be arranged (truck, fly, raiser transport, etc.)
• The dog will be assigned to an instructor and supervisor
• An intake medical check will be completed shortly after arrival
• Depending on the dog’s arrival date in relation to recall, veterinary in for training (IFT) exams may be completed

The typical evaluation takes 2-4 weeks, but this varies depending upon the concerns being evaluated and staffing availability. Should the evaluation continue for more than four weeks, the PFM will provide an update. The PFM will also inform the club leader or raiser when the evaluation is complete, and a decision has been made.

Possible Outcomes

• If the dog meets the requirements to enter guide training, it will be added to the next available string. If there is some time before the next available space on a recall, the dog will continue to be worked by the Training team on campus or may be placed in a local foster care home.
• Other outcomes include K9 Buddy evaluation or assessment for placement with one of our partner organizations:
• If the dog is being considered as K9 Buddy, the club leader and raiser will be informed, and the dog will begin the K9 Buddy Evaluation and Placement process.
• If the dog is career changed, it may be considered by the Dog Placement team to work with one of our nonprofit organization partners. The Dog Placement team has 3 working days to make the decision to offer the dog to a partner organization; the organization then has 3 weeks for an evaluation to determine if the dog is suitable for their program.
• The dog may be offered to the puppy raiser for adoption or placement. For more details, review Career Change, Adoption, and Placement.