Both the Region Team and Guiding Eyes staff will teach and guide you through the puppy raising process.

• Pre-placement classes: The pre-training curriculum covers the basics of puppy raising and Guiding Eyes training methods and philosophy. The potential raiser must attend the set of pre-placement classes at least once before receiving a puppy to raise. As any raiser knows, it takes a lot to raise a pup. An interesting look at a pup’s needs and expectations can be found in  It Takes a Pack To Raise a Puppy.
• Group classes: Your region will hold regular group classes for the puppies in the region. These classes are taught by Region Helpers. The dates and times for the classes are provided by your Region Team.
• Quarterly puppy assessments: Once every three months, each raiser and puppy meets with a Guiding Eyes Region Manager. This one-on-one session, called a “Walk and Talk”, will help you with any issues or questions that you have about the puppy you are raising, and allow the Region Manager to assess the pup’s development. Guiding Eyes staff and volunteers will schedule follow-up sessions as needed to help you. The Region Team will let you know the dates of your quarterly sessions. At least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled session, each raiser needs to fill out the Quarterly Evaluation. The report is automatically sent to your Regional Manager and Region Coordinator. You can select others to send it to as well.
• Video support materials: Periodically, Guiding Eyes will provide training support on CDs, which will be distributed to you by your Region Coordinator. Each raiser also receives a DVD copy of their pup’s quarterly Walk and Talk (W&T) assessment.