State laws vary regarding granting public access to guide dog puppies. Regardless of state law, and in accordance with GDB's policy, Guide Dog puppies may only have access to public or private places where they are granted willing admittance or inclusion. Raisers and leaders may not demand, coerce, lobby, argue, litigate or otherwise attempt to force issues of access for Guide Dog Puppies. Before you go any place where dogs are not normally allowed, such as a restaurant or supermarket, be sure to contact the management to get permission to enter. Whether they agree to permit you to enter or not, thank them for their time. It is always a good idea to send a thank you note when they do cooperate by allowing you and your puppy to come in.
Never leave your puppy unattended in a public place - even if it is only for a moment to run inside and ask for permission to enter. Unfortunately, puppies left alone may be stolen, mistreated, or get into mischief. And of course, never leave your puppy unattended in a car on a sunny day!
Always keep your puppy well groomed and its coat clean and neat, and use positive dog handling techniques. People will want to learn about the puppy raising project, so be ready for interruptions when you are with your pup. Try to be polite and approachable, even if you must remind the public not to touch your dog. Remember, your puppy may be the only Guide Dog people have ever seen, and the way you present yourself will leave a lasting impression. We are all ambassadors for Guide Dogs, their graduates, 4-H, and ourselves. Let's present ourselves with pride!
In addition to our daily errands, many puppy raisers seek out special outings for their dogs to give them a wider range of experiences. To help you plan your puppy's’ social life, here are a some guidelines from Guide Dogs for the Blind.