Puppy Guardian

Guardians commit to raising and training a puppy for approximately 2 years. They take the puppy to weekly classes and on training field trips; they are responsible for completing any homework assignments and training objectives assigned by their trainer. 

Guardians will have their puppy day and night. This means they are expected to take the puppy to veterinary appointments as well as teach the puppy manners at home and in public. Guardians will attend education and fundraising events with their puppy to help spread the word about IOWA Service Dogs. Don’t panic though - if you cannot make it to an appointment or need someone to look after your puppy for a weekend, our Puppy Sitters have you covered!

Wait - homework? Yes, homework. IOWA Service Dogs will provide weekly homework assignments to assist Guardians in the training process. Homework is designed to help engage both Guardians and their puppies in understanding and internalizing specific desired behaviors.