Banbury-based charity - Dogs for Good - needs volunteers to serve as puppy socialisers

Dogs for Good provides highly trained assistance dogs to people physical disabilities and families who have a child with autism. The charity also supports people with learning disabilities and dementia to help them lead a more independent life through the help of a trained dog.

They need volunteers to socialise puppies from the age of eight weeks for about 12 to 18 months depending on how fast the puppy progresses.

The role involves taking a puppy into day-to-day situations such as going to supermarkets, local shops, travelling on buses and trains, and visiting cafes and restaurants when restrictions lift and they re-open.

Puppy socialisers are also tasked with getting the puppy used to traffic, crossing roads visiting crowded and rural areas plus anything else they may encounter as a working dog.

This role is particularly suitable for people who have lots of time to spend with the puppy.

However, puppies cannot be placed with anyone who is currently on the government furlough scheme due to the 12 to 18 months commitment for this role.

Abbey Chung who lives in Banbury, became a puppy coordinator in 2014 after meeting someone from the charity at her previous workplace, an animal rescue centre. She now looks after approximately 30 puppies and their socialisers in Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas.

Abbey said: “Puppy socialisers get a real sense of pride when they see the dog they’ve had from eight weeks going out and giving somebody independence. It just makes them really proud.

“During the first year of a puppy’s life they have all the fun and get the chance to meet lots of new people and find out what the charity is all about.

“Our socialisers love feeling like they are part of the bigger family at Dogs for Good and knowing they are doing something worthwhile. It’s also great to see the end result.”

Puppy socialisers have the option of meeting the next person who will train the dog and the client they are eventually placed with.

Due to current social distancing rules Dogs for Good is unable to give its usual face-to-face support, but they will need to conduct a home check via video link. Telephone and online support will also be available with videos to demonstrate certain activities.

Mary Brodey,54, from Barford St Michael near Banbury, has been socialising puppies for three years with her husband Philip, 57, and their grown-up children Emma and Will.

They are currently socialising their fourth puppy called Nixon.

Mary said: “He’s very laidback character and easy to take places, he just lies down and has a sleep at your feet.

“He’s a bit too keen on chasing things at the moment so that’s something we are working on.”

While she admits it’s always very sad to say goodbye to puppies she says it’s a bit easier when you know they are going to help someone else who really needs them.

Mary added: “We met the client who has our first puppy, and it made it so worthwhile to see what a difference the dog has made to her life.

“It’s a really rewarding process. It’s been really good for us physically as we get out for more walks, you also get the benefit of having a dog without the very long-term commitment of having your own dog.”

Although no experience is necessary, puppy socialisers are required to meet the following criteria:

- You should live within one of their specified puppy scheme areas in the Banbury, Bristol, or North West regions

- You have a fully-fenced safe and secure garden

- You are away from the puppy for no more than two hours (in the first few weeks) and four hours (for the remaining time you have the puppy) per day

- Have no more than two existing pet dogs

- Able to spend some time every day on activities to socialise the puppy

- You are able to provide the puppy with regular contact with children, other dogs and cats.

For more information visit: www.dogsforgood.org/get-involved/volunteer/puppy-socialiser/

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