What is a foster home?
Foster homes are the volunteers who agree to raise, socialize, train, and love the dogs we bring into our program as potential service dogs. Foster homes train our service dog candidates in all the skills they will need as service dogs. Family members may participate in the training process, however, one family member should be designated as the primary trainer. Primary trainers must be 18 years or older.

Where do potential service dogs come from?
Potential Service Dogs come from local animal rescues, leagues and shelters, througout the Denver Metro Area. We do not focus on one particular breed over another, we base our dogs on there capabilities to assist the client.

How old are puppies when they are placed in foster homes?
Colorao Service Dog puppies are placed in foster homes between 8wks - 6 months of age. Early education is a must and when they enter our program at 8 weeks old, they begin puppy training classes.

What is involved in the training process?
The training of Colorado Service Dogs begins with puppy behavior, manners and socialization. Socialization involves exposing the puppy to a variety of experiences and public situations on a frequent basis, as soon as they have recieved there vaccinations. Obedience skills, though not always the most fun skills to train, are a big part of the training and fundamental to the success of a service dog. In addition, many specialized service dog skills are also taught.

In order to achieve this set of skills with the puppy you are training, as a foster home you must commit to attend weekly training classes with our Director of Training Sharon Davis, to train the puppy at home in several short sessions throughout each day, and to train the puppy in public as guided by our instructor and the weekly lessons presented by the organization. You do not need prior experience in training a dog to be a foster home. Our organization will guide you through the process every week, teaching you how to train the dog you are fostering. Our training methods are based on positive reinforcement, and we believe you will truly enjoy the experience.

Can I take the puppy with me wherever I go?
NO not until the puppy has gained its immunity to parvo, distemper, kennel cough and rabies.
Please contact Sharon Davis 303-233-5028 for further information.

Do I need a fenced yard?
For the safety of our dogs, we strongly encourage our foster homes to have fenced yards.

How much exercise do the dogs require?
Active puppies need physical activity in the form of play or walking. Foster homes should expect to provide at least 25-40 minutes of exercise per day. This could be accomplished by brisk walking or playing in a safe, fenced area. Please understand that for young dogs under 1 year, bones are still forming. Exercise by running the dog along side you while you run, jog, bike, etc. is not appropriate for young dogs. Rollerblading with the dogs is not allowed.

What does Colorado Service Dogs provide and
what does the foster home provide?

What does the foster home provide?

What are the responsibilities of a foster home?

Who takes care of the dog if I go out of town?
Usually another foster home will take care of your dog while you are on vacation. We like our puppies to become accustomed to new experiences and occasionally will ask foster homes to exchange puppies for a week or two. Instructors also periodically will take dogs in training for evaluations of their skills.

Will I get to meet the individual who receives the dog I train?
Yes, as a foster home provider you will have the opportunity to meet the individual who receives the dog you trained. When graduation is held you have the opportunity to celebrate reaching the goal of your dog graduating as a service dog. If agreeable by all parties involved, a life long friendship maybe formed.

How do I apply?
For more information or to receive an application, please call the Director of Training Sharon Davis 303-233-5028 . Once we receive your completed application, we will schedule an interview in your home with a Colorado Service Dog representative. This interview gives you a chance to ask further questions about our Foster Home Program and gives us the opportunity to meet you personally. After you have completed these steps, we will review your application and notify you whether your application has been accepted.