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Puppy Training Volunteer

Provide a loving home for a growing puppy and help shape the future of an assistance dog.

Register your interest Read Julia's story
Illustration of lady holding puppy in her arms
Photo of puppy sat in bed

How you’ll help

You’ll welcome a puppy into your home at around eight-weeks-old and guide their early development. Through everyday routines, socialisation, and basic training, you’ll help them build confidence before they move on to assistance dog training at 12 to 16-months-old.

Time and commitment

This is a hands-on role that requires daily care and supervision. Puppies can only be left for short periods at first, with independence built gradually. You’ll attend regular training sessions and include the puppy in everyday activities to support their development.

Lady holding a black labrador puppy

Training and support

You won’t do this alone. Our expert Trainers provide structured training, guidance, and ongoing support throughout your volunteering journey. All puppy-related expenses are covered by Canine Partners, so you can focus on providing the time, care, and safe home your puppy needs.

Want to hear from a real-life Puppy Training Volunteer?

Julia shares her experience of the role, from the challenges of saying goodbye to the pride of helping future assistance dogs reach their potential. Her story offers an honest insight into what it’s really like to volunteer with Canine Partners and the difference volunteers make.

Read Julia's story

We are recruiting for Puppy Training Volunteers in these coloured areas – North

  • Hull: Driffield, Beverley, Willerby, Cottingham.
  • Staffordshire and West Midlands: Stafford, Cannock, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Lichfield, Tamworth.
  • Northwest Leicestershire & Derby: Burton Upon Trent, Derby, Ashby de le Zouch, Loughborough, Leicester.
  • Nottinghamshire & East Lincolnshire: Nottingham, Mansfield, North Hykeham, (New) Newark on Trent, (New) Melton Mowbray, (New) Grantham.
  • (New) Northamptonshire: Market Harborough, Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, (Coming soon) Northampton.
  • Bedford: Bedford town and surrounding villages.

South

  • South Hampshire: Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth.
  • Berkshire: Wokingham, Bracknell, Basingstoke.
  • Surrey: Guildford, Crawley.
  • (New) North Hampshire: Winchester, Petersfield.
  • (New) Wiltshire: Swindon, Marlborough, Tidworth.
Illustration of puppy sat next to checklist board

Is this role right for you?

You don’t need previous experience, but you do need the right circumstances.

This role may suit you if you:

  • Can actively supervise and train a puppy each day
  • Have a secure, dog-friendly garden
  • Have access to a car for local training and socialisation

This role can suit families, including those with children and other pets, provided everyone is committed to the puppy’s training.

Renters are welcome with landlord permission.

For more information about this role take a read of our frequently answered questions.

Puppy Training Volunteer FAQ’s

Interested in becoming a Puppy Training Volunteer?

Please fill in the form below and we will be in touch as soon as possible, usually within five working days.

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