Talking Points
Think you can’t raise a puppy? Think again!
Below are general talking points and tools to help equip you with all the answers so you can help spread the word about Pawsitism and our puppy raising program.
“Pawsitism Inc. is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit that transforms lives by partnering people with professionally-trained assistance service dogs. Our clients are children and teens under 18 years old with autism. Since being founded in 2018, Pawsitism Inc. has graduated successful client-dog teams and provided lifetime support, at no cost to our clients. For more information, visit pawsitism.org”
It would be too hard to give the puppy back to Pawsitism Inc.
We’re not gonna lie: It can be hard. But many of our puppy raisers come back for a new pup each time their former puppy returns to Pawsitism Inc. for advanced training and matching with one of our clients in need. Why? Because it’s fun. It’s a great way to meet new people and make new friends. And it’s incredibly rewarding.
I don’t live in Sheboygan.
While we most urgently need puppy raisers in the Sheboygan County area, we have puppy raisers throughout Wisconsin. If you’re interested in raising a puppy, no matter where you are, please contact us and we’ll talk about it!
I’m too busy to raise a puppy by myself.
No problem! We offer the option to co-raise a puppy so that you can share the fun and responsibilities of raising a puppy with an approved and trained friend, family member, or neighbor who wants to help out.
It’s too expensive to raise a puppy.
Pawsitism Inc. provides all puppy raisers with food, vaccinations, medical care, collar, leash, crate, various toys, treat pouch, clicker, and a service dog trainee vest—completely free of charge!
I live in a house without a fenced yard.
We welcome puppy raisers who live in homes without a fenced yard, as well as in apartments, townhomes, condos, etc.
I travel frequently.
Pawsitism Inc. encourages raisers to travel with their puppy when the pup is ready and travel is feasible. Additionally, Pawsitism Inc. has a list of volunteer puppy sitters who can take care of your puppy if you are going out of town or just need a weekend break.
I’ve never had a dog before.
As long as you are willing to learn, complete our orientation and onboarding process, and follow our puppy-raising curriculum, you are welcome to become a puppy raiser and experience all the joy, love, and rewards of raising and training a puppy in your home.
I don’t have any dog training experience.
No worries! We provide orientation, onboarding, a comprehensive puppy-raising curriculum, and ongoing support from Pawsitism Inc. staff and your fellow puppy raisers throughout the entire experience.
I have other pets.
Many puppy raisers have other dogs, cats, birds, chickens, or reptiles. Your pets must be able to cohabitate with the puppy and get along after the initial introductory period.
I have children living at home.
Many of our puppy raisers have children who enjoy helping to raise a puppy while learning about responsibility and giving back to others. It is best if the children are old enough to understand and follow Pawsitism Inc.‘s guidelines for raising a puppy so that the puppy’s training and socialization is consistent among family members. We actually prefer families to raise the puppies! They need to be around children a lot!