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So, you are interested in raising a Liberty Dogs' puppy?
First, we want to express our gratitude for your interest in this wonderful journey. We also want to be transparent and let you know that raising a puppy can be a significant lifestyle adjustment.
Many who have gone through this process have found it to be a deeply rewarding experience, but it requires a strong commitment. Raising a puppy as a single foster can last up to approximately 12 months. Co-foster arrangements can be considered between two active foster families. For the next 12 months, you will be responsible for raising, training, monitoring, and caring for the puppy. This demands dedication and effort from you or your family.
Rest assured; the Liberty Dogs team will be there to support you every step of the way. We will provide weekly instructional lessons to guide you through each stage of the puppy's development. Additionally, we will assist you during public outings, ensuring the puppy is properly exposed and socialized to various environments and situations. This exposure and socialization are crucial for developing the puppy's confidence and adaptability.
With our support and your dedication, raising a Liberty Dogs puppy can be a fulfilling and impactful endeavor, contributing to the greater good and helping to shape the future of a Service Dog for Veterans with disabilities.
What Does It Cost to Foster a Liberty Dog?
Fostering a Liberty Service Dog-in-Training comes at no financial cost to the foster raiser, aside from providing hugs and snuggles. Liberty Dogs will supply all necessary training equipment, including a crate or kennel, covers all veterinary expenses for the puppy's healthcare, and provides food.
What Breeds Does Liberty Dogs Use?
Liberty Dogs primarily focuses on breeding Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. These breeds are favored for their reliability, temperament, and adaptability, making them excellent Service Dogs. Additionally, Liberty Dogs incorporates dogs from local shelters and adoption agencies that meet specific height and weight criteria similar to those of Labrador Retrievers.
What Happens to Liberty Dogs that Do Not Complete Service Dog Training?
If a dog does not successfully complete the rigorous training to become a Liberty Service Dog, it may pursue an alternative career. Some dogs are offered to other Service Dog and Guide Dog organizations, if they meet their criteria. Others may work in law enforcement, specializing in detection jobs such as narcotics or explosive detection, or scent work and search and rescue. If a dog does not follow a different career path, the Foster Raiser has the first opportunity to adopt it. If declined, the dog will be offered for adoption to the general public. There is no adoption fee, and Liberty Dogs strives to find each dog a loving forever home.
Does Liberty Dogs Receive Any Government Funding?
Liberty Dogs does not receive any government funding. It is generously funded by the Dave and Cheryl Duffield Foundation (DCDF).
What Are the Responsibilities of a Foster Raiser?
The primary responsibility of a foster raiser is to help the puppy develop positive and loving relationships within the foster family. This involves creating a daily routine to assist with potty training and understanding household boundaries. As the puppy matures, the foster raiser will work with Liberty Dogs staff to teach basic obedience. Exposure and socialization to the world around them are crucial components of raising a Liberty Dogs puppy. Lastly, fostering is about having fun and contributing to the greater good.