Allison Hamilton is a MODG high school student who raises guide dogs. Read about her
work below!

Please tell me a bit about yourself!
My name is Allison Hamilton, I’m fourteen and a freshman in high school. I live in Southern
California, and have home schooled since 1st grade. I have 4 siblings, I am the youngest of the
middle children.

Why do you raise guide dogs?
I enjoy puppy raising, not only because I get to work with and handle dogs, but I also gain
training experience and other knowledge about dogs.

What type(s) of dogs do you raise?
Guide Dogs for the Blind, like many other guide dog organizations, use Labrador retrievers and
Golden retrievers. In the past, German shepherds were also used for the program.

How many dogs do you raise?
Val is my second puppy to raise. My first puppy was a female Labrador and Golden Retriever
double cross named Lila. I received Lila when she was 9 weeks old and raised her until she was
15 months. I recently attended her graduation in July. Unlike Lila, I received Val as a transfer
puppy when she was 5 months old.

What is something not many people know about raising guide dogs?
A fun fact that not many people know about guide dogs is when they are retired, if the client
does not want to adopt them the puppy raiser is next in line to adopt the dog.

How long have you been raising guide dogs?

I’ve been a puppy raiser for 2 years. I joined a puppy club in November of 2021, and received
my first puppy in February of 2022.

What’s your favorite part about the process? What about it is hard?
I don’t particularly have a favorite part. I enjoy all the ups and downs from the early stages of
puppyhood to the late “teenage” stages. I think when the puppy is recalled and leaves for campus
for formal training, is the hardest part of puppy raising. Although it is sad to let go the puppy you’ve
spent the last year and a half with, you have to remember that this puppy has a job to do, and
whatever path they choose, they will do great things.

Is raising guide dogs more of a job for you, or a hobby?
For me, puppy raising is a hobby, however, I hope to one day turn it into a job.

How do the dogs get placed with owners after you raise them?
When a puppy has completed all 8 phases of formal training and are matched with a client, they
are “in-class.” Class is the 2 week process of the client and dog going through training together.
After the team has completed the two weeks, they graduate. The puppy raiser, along with the
puppy raiser’s family, is invited to campus. At graduation, the puppy raiser has the chance to
meet the new team and share a few words about their experience raising their puppy.

Lastly, what advice would you offer to anyone who is interested in raising guide dogs?
If you are interested in puppy raising, I would first advise to find a puppy club near you and
attend a meeting. At the meeting, you will be able to ask questions, learn more about the
program, and find out if you are willing to make the commitment of bringing a puppy into your
home.