Puppy and Dog Socialisers

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to detect the odour of human disease. lt is at the forefront of the research into the fight against cancer and helping people with life-threatening diseases.  Their Medical Alert Assistance Dogs are trained to detect minute changes in an individual's personal odour triggered by their disease and alert them to an impending medical event.

They are looking for caring homes in areas of Bucks, Beds, Northants and Oxon to look after and socialise puppies.

These young dogs will be trained to accompany clients with detectable medical conditions and alert them to oncoming episodes. If you can support the charity by being involved in socialising puppies, they would love to hear from you.  Without a dedicated team of Socialisers they couldn't provide lifesaving dogs to those in need. 

This is a full-time volunteer role, and a puppy / dog may stay with the volunteer for several months.

Location: At home, in the community and at Medical Detection Dogs, 3 Millfield, Greenway Business Park, Winslow Road, Great Horwood, Milton Keynes, MK17 0NP

What does the role involve?     

• Provide love and care for a puppy 24 hours a day - young pups can only be left for up to an hour and this increases up to a maximum of 4 hours as the dog matures.   
• Attend regular puppy classes and training sessions   
• Follow the guidance provided by a dedicated trainer to teach the puppy good manners and build their confidence

Benefits for you:   

• Companionship and general enjoyment of looking after a special young dog.   
• Become a valued and integral part of Medical Detection Dogs.   
• No vet, food or holiday cover costs.   
• Charity support for all of the dog’s welfare needs.   
• Knowing you have played a huge part in raising a lifesaving assistance dog, and in improving someone's life

Support and Training:    

• Induction process which includes a home visit plus handling & training classes.   
• Assessment to ensure the pup you raise is a good fit for your lifestyle and any pets you have.   
• Regular and ongoing support from Medical Detection Dogs. They will provide advice, information, training and resources to enable you to undertake your role safely and effectively.   
• A dedicated Health & Welfare team, food, equipment and veterinary care, plus holiday cover for the dog when you go away. 
• Invitation to an awareness/speaker training day from the volunteer team.
• Invitation to an information session from the dog training team.   
• Payment of out-of-pocket expenses.

What skills do I need?

What do they need from you?   

• Your time, a secure garden, and a loving home environment.   
• The stamina to keep up with an active puppy.   
• Visit various environments and use public transport with the puppy as part of its socialisation.   
• A full driving licence and a car to safely transport the dog.   
• Follow Medical Detection Dogs rules of good practice for dog care and behaviour.   
• Remain focused on the role the puppy will fulfil as an assistance dog.

Location

This opportunity can be carried out whilst working from home.