Puppy Raising and Program Journey Communication Timelines

1. Before placement: breeding, testing and matching

General breeding information
  • We do not disclose the sire or dam of a litter.
  • Our dogs are bred for health, longevity, and temperament, so many may be related.
  • Volunteers are asked to treat each dog as an individual, not compare them to past dogs or littermates.
  • We also do not disclose whether a dog is:
    • From another program (to increase genetic diversity), or
    • From CNIB’s own breeding program.
    • All dogs in our program are CNIB dogs.
Temperament testing and matching
  • Puppies have distinct personalities and thrive in different home environments.
  • To ensure the best match, our puppies are temperament tested at 7 weeks old.
  • Therefore, before placement we cannot disclose:
    • Sex
    • Breed
    • Colour
    • Name

We try our best to make sure the right puppy is placed with the right volunteer home. However, we may need to make adjustments and move puppies if in the best interest of a pup’s future potential for success.

2. Placement with a puppy raiser

At placement
  • Most dogs are recalled for formal training between 12 and 15 months of age.
  • This date may change based on the dog’s progress and intake standards.
  • CNIB will always aim to give one month’s notice before recall so raisers can prepare for graduation and transition.

3. Transition to formal training (recall to canine campus)

First updates
  • Within 24 hours of arrival at the Canine Campus: raiser receives a photo of the dog.
  • Within 1 week of arrival: Guide Dog Trainer (GDT) will call with an initial update.
Ongoing monthly updates
  • Email updates from trainers are sent on or around the 15th of each month. If the 15th falls on a weekend/holiday, the update will come on the weekday before.
If the dog moves to a different training stream

If assigned to a GDMI or a Buddy/Ambassador Dog Trainer:

  • An introductory call will take place
  • Monthly updates resume on the 15th.
If the dog enters the breeding program
  • There will be an introductory call with the Breed Stock Supervisor.
  • After that, updates are only provided when:
  • One update each time the brood successfully delivers a healthy litter, or
  • The dog moves into a new career.
Privacy after graduation

Once a dog becomes a:

  • Guide Dog
  • Buddy Dog
  • Ambassador Dog
  • Breeding Dog

 …we cannot provide match or breeder-carer details due to privacy.

Some dogs may be offered to other partner organizations or ADI (Assistance Dogs International) accredited programs for alternate careers.

4. Contact with future handlers/partners

  • Volunteers may choose to provide their contact information to be shared with the handler/partner.
  • After the team is matched for 6 months, CNIB will pass along volunteer details (if you chose to share them).
  • The handler may or may not reach out — please respect their privacy.
Discovering matched handlers/partners on social media
  • You may find a puppy’s handler/partner online.
  • Please respect their privacy do not reach out.
If you encounter the handler/partner in public
  • Do not approach. Approaching can distract the working dog and compromise safety.
  • Do not talk to, touch, or make eye contact with the dog.
  • If possible, walk away to avoid distracting the team.
  • If you previously met the handler and you are in the same room/general area, calmly let the handler/partner know you are there. Be prepared to move away and give the team space if your presence is distracting.
Retirement information
  • CNIB cannot provide updates on when a working dog retires.

5. If a dog is withdrawn

During puppy raising or formal training
  • The Puppy Raiser will be notified if/when appropriate by the Rehoming Specialist.
Career change options
  • Because our dogs are bred for purpose, they may be offered to a partner organization for a different working career before being offered as a pet adoption.
Adoption as a pet

6. Boarders (temporary care volunteers)

  • CNIB does not provide updates on dog’s boarders have cared for.
  • Boarders can stay connected by:
    • Attending volunteer engagement sessions
    • Following @cnibguidedogs on Instagram

7. Brood and stud volunteers

Privacy
  • Do not share photos of broods, studs, or puppies — especially online.
Placement of puppies
  • Names and placements of puppies cannot be shared.
  • Placement is based on:
    • The 7-week temperament test
    • Best environment for success
  • For privacy, puppy raiser details cannot be shared.
When a breeding dog retires
  • Dogs may be considered for other careers first.
  • The Breed Stock Supervisor will provide updates and connect you with the appropriate trainer if needed.
  • If fully retiring, brood/stud carers may have the opportunity to adopt.

8. Canine campus enrichment volunteers

Privacy
  • Do not take or share photos of dogs in training, team members, or volunteers.
Updates
  • CNIB will not provide updates on dogs to enrichment volunteers once the dogs leave campus.