Interested in becoming a Young Puppy Trainer?
Young Puppy Trainers are volunteer trainers who raise, house, and provide basic socialization and training for EENP pups from two months of age until they enter training in prison at 5-8 months old. EENP works with interested volunteers to help them decide if being a Young Puppy Trainer is a good fit because we want it to be a successful experience for everyone!
What are the responsibilities?
Young Puppy Trainers house puppies before they go into our Prison Program (pups will typically be two months old when they go to the YPT and 6-9 months when they go into the Prison Program). Trainers have weekly assignments which include housebreaking, crate training, and off-leash walks. Trainers do not take puppies into public settings where pet dogs are not allowed (such as restaurants or stores where pet dogs are not alllowed) as a part of routine training.
- Trainers make approximately a four month commitment when a puppy is placed in their home.
- Trainers are responsible for taking their pups to vet appointments (generally 3-4 times over the course of the pup’s time with you). EENP covers the cost of vet care. Vet appointments are usually at EENP's office but can be at a vet clinic.
- Trainers must be able to bring their EENP pups to our office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with drop-off generally at 9 am and pick-up generally at 4 pm. This will not be needed every week, but pups will be needed in the office on those days for at least eight weeks of their time with you. This is usually the first two months.
- EENP pups do not mouth/bite or chase other dogs. Volunteers who have other dogs need to consult with EENP about whether this volunteer position is a good fit for their households.
- Trainers do not take puppies into public settings where pet dogs are not allowed (such as restaurants or stores where pet dogs are not allowed) as a part of routine training. Trainers are not allowed to take their dogs on buses except when supervised by an EENP staff trainer.
- Trainers must regularly attend group training classes with their pups. These are currently on Wednesday afternoon/evening. The youngest pups have classes at EENP’s office at the 4 pm pickup while the older pups will have class at field trip locations sometimes.
- Trainers must be able to bring their pups to PR events from time to time (generally about 1-2 times per month).
- Trainers must be able to complete weekly training assignments and be willing to follow EENP’s instructions.
How do I get started?
We'd love to have you join us! Please fill out the application below to let us know more about you, and we'll be in touch as soon as we can. In the meantime, feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions.
Young Puppy Trainer application
Application to become a Young Puppy Trainer
