Frequently Asked Questions about puppy raising
Please click on each question to reveal the answer.
The puppy will be at least four months old.
A puppy usually remains with you until it is between 16 and 20 months old. This may vary depending on the individual dog’s development.
No. It is, however, helpful if you have a pet dog, or had one in the past.
Yes, once a month, under the direction of an ASDA trainer. The meetings generally last three hours and are held in and around Lake Oswego. These meetings cover training techniques or are socialization excursions, during which you will meet other puppy raisers.
ASDA needs to have our puppy raisers close by to provide adequate support and monitor the dog’s progress as it develops. On occasion we will approve a puppy raiser who lives out of state, but these situations are unique.
No. Puppy-raising is an accredited 4-H project; however, adults and non 4-H youth may also raise puppies for our organization.
Puppy raisers frequently help each other out and trade boarding with each other. Or, with ASDA approval, the puppy may be able to accompany you on a trip, because it furthers the pup’s socialization.
Yes. Controlled, supervised interaction between an ASDA puppy and other animals is beneficial for the puppy.
An ASDA puppy should be exposed to a variety of experiences. Puppy-raisers take pups to malls, grocery stores, school and work, among other places. We encourage occasional trips to noisy, chaotic environments (county fairs, Bullwinkle’s, Chuck E. Cheese) in order to help the puppy adapt to loud, sudden noises and activities.
Yes. We require that our puppies be fed our preferred brands of high-quality dry dog food. Puppies should never be fed table scraps or treats from strangers.
The raiser pays for food, flea treatment, toys and incidental equipment such as grooming tools, food bowls and a crate, if needed. ASDA supplies identification, leashes, vests and collars. ASDA also provides up to $250 veterinary care reimbursement.
Yes. ASDA is a nonprofit charitable organization and all expenses incurred by the raiser (dog food, veterinary bills, gas mileage, etc.) are considered a donation to ASDA. We suggest you consult with a tax advisor about proper IRS documentation requirements.
Known as a “career-change” dog, the puppy is first offered to the raiser to keep as a pet. If you decline, we have a list of applicants eager to offer these dogs loving homes.
Raising an ASDA puppy does involve a time investment. You will be grooming, socializing and caring for the puppy, but we can offer ways in which to incorporate the training into your daily routine.
Obviously, puppy-raisers become attached to their dogs; however, they find tremendous satisfaction knowing that these dogs will become loving assistance animals for children with autism. All puppy-raisers are invited to formally present their dog to the recipient family. This will also be your chance to pass on stories about your special dog to its new family.
With the permission of the recipient family, you may be able to communicate regarding progress of dog and child.
