Foster Homes are the volunteers who agree to raise, socialize, train, and love the dogs we bring into our program as potential service dogs. Foster Homes train our service dog candidates in all the skills they will need for careers as service dogs. Weekly attendance of training classes is required. Family members may participate in the training process; however, one family member should be designated as the primary trainer. Primary trainers must be 18 years or older. We are proud of our dedicated foster homes, who are the backbone of NEWSD.

What is a service dog?

A service dog is trained to assist an individual with a physical disability (other than loss of vision or loss of hearing) by performing such tasks as retrieving dropped objects, opening doors, getting items that are hard to reach, turning lights on or off, and a variety of other tasks assist in daily living. In addition, and oftentimes of equal importance, a service dog provides love and companionship on a daily basis.

Where do potential service dog candidates come from and what breeds are used?

Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles and Labrador Retrievers are used in our program due to their size, natural retrieving instinct and their strong desire to work for and please people.
Puppies NEWSD selects or receives from a breeder are placed with a Foster Home. Prior to selection or receiving a puppy the sires and dams must pass genetic clearances to lessen the likelihood of a puppy developing a physical problem that would prevent its work as a service dog.

How old are puppies when they are placed in a Foster Home?

NEWSD puppies are placed in the Foster Home between 7 – 12 weeks of age. We believe strongly in early education and the puppy will begin its service dog training classes by 12 weeks of age. As a Foster Home, you must be able to accommodate the exercise and elimination needs of a dog. Special accommodation must be made when the puppy is 2 – 6 months old so that the puppy’s needs are taken care of during the day.

What is involved in the training process?

It is a common misconception that NEWSD puppies can go everywhere with their trainers. Training in public with a NEWSD puppy will be guided by your instructor. You will receive a “puppy passport” that will detail acceptable public training locations according to the puppy’s age and skill level.

Acceptable locations for training in public begin with pet supply stores, veterinary clinics, parks, and similar locations where all pet dogs are also allowed access. Additional locations will be added as the puppy matures and learns more skills. Eventually, as the dog reaches maturity and acquires more skills, public training will become part of your weekly training routine.

Do I need a fenced yard?

For the safety of our dogs, we strongly encourage our Foster Homes to have fenced yards. Acceptance of a Foster Home without a fenced yard is done on a case-by-case basis.

How much exercise do the dogs require?

Active puppies need physical activity in the form of play or walking. Foster Homes should expect to provide at least 25-40 minutes of exercise per day. This could be accomplished by brisk walking or playing in a safe, fenced area for example. Please understand that for young dogs under one year, bones are still forming. Running the dog along side you while you run, jog, bike, etc. is not appropriate for young dogs. Rollerblading with the dogs is not allowed.

What equipment or supplies does NEWSD provide?

NEWSD provides a Gentle Leader, a training pack and a crate for crate training.
NEWSD provides training classes, reference manuals that cover medical and training topics and a “puppy passport” and ID card for training in public locations.
Puppies are microchipped prior to placement. NEWSD also provides heartworm screening, heartworm preventative, hip evaluations and eye exams at no cost to Foster Homes.

What does the foster home trainer provide?

What are the responsibilities of a Foster Home?

The puppy must live in the house with you. It is important that the puppy has access to most areas of your home (even the kitchen and carpeted areas) as it will need to learn appropriate behavior in these settings.
Foster Homes must be able to care for and socialize the puppy for a period of up to 2½ years.
The puppy must be taught to eliminate both on and off leash.
The puppy must receive an appropriate amount of physical activity/exercise.
A Foster Home provide appropriate veterinary care on a routine basis.
A Foster Home and puppies are required to attend weekly training classes.
A Foster Home must commit to train the puppy according to NEWSD curriculum by working in several short training sessions throughout the day.
A Foster Home must commit to train the puppy in public according to Helping Paws guidelines.
A Foster Home provide transportation to training classes, field trips and training in public.
A Foster Home is expected to participate in public relation events and public education demonstrations.

Who takes care of the dog if I go out of town?

NEWSD will provide the Foster Home with temporary care for the dog while you are on vacation. Usually another Foster Home will care for the dog. We like our puppies to become accustomed to new experiences and occasionally will ask foster homes to exchange puppies for a week or two. Periodically each dog is assessed by staff and/or a trained volunteer evaluator at which time the dog you are training will stay at their home.

Will I get to meet the individual who receives the dog I train?

Yes, at the time of placement, you will have the opportunity to meet the individual who receives the dog you trained. Applicants for service dogs must complete three weeks of Team Training with their potential service dog. At the end of Team Training, graduation is held. This is a time to celebrate reaching the goal of placement as a service dog.

What if the dog is not placed as a service dog?

Sometimes dogs in training can not be placed as service dogs due to reasons such as health or temperament. In the event that a dog needs a career change, NEWSD Board of Directors will evaluate the situation and determine what is best for the dog. Depending on individual circumstances, the foster home will be given consideration if they wish to adopt the dog.

2221 S. Webster Ave.
Suite A #177
Green Bay, WI 54301