The first week of June is #VolunteersWeek, so we wanted to shine a bright light on our wonderful volunteers who support us in our mission to train amazing dogs.

Our second volunteer profile is Lesley Fisher, one of our wonderful puppy parents, responsible for looking after and training our amazing puppies before they start their advanced training.

What is your voluntary role at Canine Partners?

My voluntary role at Canine Partners is being a puppy parent. This means that I look after a puppy that belongs to the charity in my home until the puppy is ready to move on to advanced training and then placement with its new partner.

The puppies are delivered to us at around seven to eight weeks old and they generally leave when they are around 14-15 months. During this time it is my job to socialise the puppy as much as possible. This involves meeting other dogs, all kinds of people, every kind of animal possible as well as visiting towns, beaches, public transport, supermarkets, shopping centres etc. Basically everything we can think of to equip the dog for coping with everyday situations once they are working in partnership with their recipient.

Under the supervision of our satellite trainer, we teach the dogs some basic obedience such as sit, down, wait, tug, retrieve, leave and to walk nicely on a loose lead. They also need to have a good recall when doing off-lead exercise. Another very important job is to teach the dogs to toilet appropriately on command, where and when we want them to. All puppy parent’s gardens have a toileting area for the dogs and they must learn to use that on command before we go out on any excursions.

How long have you been volunteering for Canine Partners?

I have been volunteering for Canine Partners for just over 10 years. My current puppy, Queisha, she is I think the 17th puppy I have had!

Why did you choose to volunteer for Canine Partners?

I chose to volunteer for Canine Partners as I was very interested in finding out about how these wonderful dogs are trained to do the amazing jobs that they do. It was also a great way of having a second dog with no expense to myself and help, support and holiday cover provided.

What is the most rewarding thing about volunteering for Canine Partners?

The most rewarding thing about volunteering for me is starting off with a young pup and creating a well trained, sociable dog that has the skills to become an assistance dog. I’m always very proud to deliver them to Canine Partners after all my hard work. It is also absolutely amazing when we meet again when the dog is placed with its new partner and I learn about all the ways the dog has changed their life for the better.

Why should others volunteer for Canine Partners?

Others should volunteer as puppy parents as it is great fun. If you’re interested in learning about puppy training and how to care for dogs correctly, this is the perfect opportunity to do so with lots of support, a great social group with similarly minded people, and all expenses taken care of. Yes, it can be difficult when you have to say goodbye after a year or so but it’s so rewarding to see your pup transform a person’s life….. it’s well worth it!