A crucial part of an Assistance Dog's training involves exposure to a variety of environments whilst they are very young so that they may become de-sensitised and environmentally aware in readiness for their formal role in providing assistance required by their eventual user/handler. Without the support of volunteers that provide a loving and secure homelife for our young puppies the training task is made so much more difficult and so we ask for your support in puppy raising an Assistance Dog for ADNZ.

Puppies placed on our Puppy walking program are assessed regularly so that we can see how they are developing, how they react in different situations and provide help with any issues that may arise during these very important months.

At around 12 months of age the puppies return to ADNZ to commence their formal training.  At this time the puppies are again assessed in a variety of environments and situations and a temperamental analysis is formulated that will later help us to ensure that the puppy is placed with a user/handler whose needs most closely match the puppy's own unique personality.

Successful puppies once trained are placed with their new user/handler who also receive a period of training by ADNZ's trainer/instructor.  Once graduated the team is provided with follow up support throughout the dog's working life.

Currently we are seeking people interested in providing puppy walking homes in the Hamilton and surrounding districts.  If you are interested in puppy walking for ADNZ please contact us.  

 Puppies need:

• Love and companionship
• To be treated like a member of the family and to be housed inside
• Regular and frequent walks and socialisation

You can apply to be a puppy walker if:

• You are over the age of 16
• You have a fully fenced, dog-proof section
• You live in suitable environment to raise a dog
• You do not work full time and therefore have enough time to correctly socialise a puppy to the required standard
• You are physically able to socialise and control a dog

Our Instructor will interview you at your home to assess your home for safety and to discuss what is involved. Once you have been accepted and have been given a puppy, Assistance Dogs New Zealand will continue to support you and provide monthly visits, food and equipment, veterinary care (including worming and vaccinations), dog registration (through Otorohanga District Council), and boarding for your dog if you go on holiday and can't take your puppy with you.

As a new organisation working to build a sustainable service with an outstanding reputation, persons applying for an Assistance Dog are required to help our organisation by raising money towards the costs of training their own Assistance Dog. 

As Assistance Dogs New Zealand gains greater support from the community, sponsors and individuals we will continue to grow as a professional service provider of Assistance Dogs in New Zealand.  We aim to provide quality training so that our dogs will benefit from trainers that are able to meet the needs of client and dog with a full toolbox of dog training techniques and with realistic and achievable training goals.

Your support and your donations are appreciated.  

Assistance Dogs New Zealand is a not for profit, charity organisation so your donation is tax deductable.
If you have experience in fundraising and are keen to volunteer some time to assist our organisation to develop in recognition and education please contact us.