The foster family period

At ten weeks, puppies are entrusted to foster families (also known as “puppy walkers”) who look after the young dogs for twelve to fifteen months, i.e. until training begins. The main duties of the foster family are to provide a good basic education and to make sure the dog gets on well with people as well as with other animals. Staff at our school support and advise foster families throughout the fostering period, helping them to understand the dog and to raise it correctly.

Regular training events supplement the special nurturing that paves the way for the dog’s future role. The animal’s veterinary costs, its food and dog tax are paid by the school.
 

Requirements to be met by foster families

• Raising a puppy to become a guide dog in training is a demanding task requiring a good physical and mental constitution.
• Each family member must agree to the keeping of a foster dog.
• Any children must be at least seven years old.
• Singles with plenty of time to devote to a foster dog are also suitable.
• Since so much time is required, the carer is unlikely to be able to undertake employment outside the home. If two partners are in part-time employment, the puppy’s care may be divided between them.
• The carer must be willing to take part in regular training events (dog training).
• A carer should live in or near a town. If country-based, he/she must be able to accustom the dog to a town environment at least 2 to 3 times a week.
• If a carer lives in rented accommodation, the property owner’s consent must be sought.
• The foster home does not need to have a garden.
• A family should not already have a dog of its own, since this would disturb our puppy’s development. Other animals are, however, desirable provided they are not aggressive.
   

Persons interested in rearing a foster dog are invited to telephone us for further information.
Telephone: +41 61 487 95 95 or +41 61 487 95 80
 
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Handling the growing dog with an eye to the future – A new handbook from the guide dogs school in Allschwil

How should I bring up my dog? Every responsible dog owner wonders about this, at the latest when the puppy captures its owner’s heart – and home. Of course one wants to do things perfectly … but what is the perfect approach?

Much has already been written about dog training: many of the widespread views and thoughts on the nature and behaviour of dogs have in the meantime become outdated, while new publications seem to appear almost daily. The handbook “Guardianship that gives joy – the purpose-oriented care of a growing dog”, published by the Foundation Swiss School for Guide Dogs for the Blind in Allschwil, deals in particular with the early education of our four-legged protégés.

By now all dog lovers presumably know that the first days and weeks of a dog’s life are of crucial importance. This is not only the case for the guide dogs of tomorrow, but is critical for all our canine friends if they are to fit in easily with today’s society. Our new publication is therefore a valuable source of advice for all those wishing to know more about the very latest insight into the fundamental life processes of a growing dog and into how these shape its future behaviour.

In 44 lavishly illustrated pages, this concise and easy-to-read handbook explains the most important interdependencies and rules governing life with a young dog. Seen from the standpoint of the behavioural biologist, it sets out in clear and simple language how humans can influence the course of the most important development and learning processes. Building on this basic knowledge, the text goes on to give some practical suggestions ranging from the many key points to consider when taking over a puppy up to the young animal’s individual needs during the first weeks and months. The handbook is based on the many years of experience accumulated by the guide dog trainers and puppy carers at the guide dogs school in Allschwil in collaboration with the animal behaviour experts Heinz Weidt and Dina Berlowitz.
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To supplement the printed guide, which costs CHF 18.-, an informative DVD can be ordered for CHF 40.-.
Both (handbook and DVD) are available as a set for CHF 50.—.
All prices include postage and packing for delivery to an address in Switzerland.


Orders for Switzerland against payment in advance to:
Post cheque account: 40-1275-0
Stiftung Schweizerische Schule für Blindenführhunde
Markstallstr. 6 – 4123 Allschwil

Please mention: Handbook/DVD “Guardianship that gives joy”.
For deliveries outside Switzerland:
Brochure: € 15.-- / DVD: € 30.-
Set (brochure and DVD): € 38.—
Prices incl. postage and packing for Europe.
Orders for Europe against payment in advance to:
Stiftung Schweizerische Schule für Blindenführhunde – CH 4123 Allschwil
Account number: 91-251773-1 EUR (IBAN CH82 0900 0000 9125 1773 1)
Receiving bank: Swiss Post, PostFinance, Engehaldenstr. 37, CH 3030 Bern
BIC: 0900

Please mention:
Handbook/DVD “Guardianship that gives joy”.


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