Full Breakdown
College Students Train Service Dogs to Support Individuals with Disabilities
3/10/2026, 10:42:22 PM
Overview of the Terps Raising Pups Program
The Terps Raising Pups program at the University of Maryland is part of a broader initiative by the Guide Dog Foundation (GDF) that allows college students to raise puppies destined to become service dogs. This program, which began over a decade ago at the University of Georgia, has expanded to 14 other colleges, including Texas A&M, Mississippi State University, and Clemson University, involving over 400 students and a network of 1,600 volunteers.
The Training Process and Its Importance
Students volunteer to take care of puppies starting at eight weeks old, keeping them until they are around 16 months. The primary focus during this period is socialization, which is crucial for the dogs' future roles as service animals. Volunteers teach the puppies basic commands and house manners, preparing them for the various environments they will encounter with their future owners, who often have disabilities. Allison Storck, GDF's Director of Public Relations and Marketing, emphasizes the importance of this training, stating, “They need to be able to be out in the public and not be fazed by anything that could happen.”
Benefits for Students
Participating in the program provides students with significant personal development opportunities. Alex Pechler, a former volunteer who now works as a service dog instructor for America’s Vet Dogs, notes that the experience taught her valuable organizational skills and responsibility. Grayson Shirley, a senior at the University of Georgia, echoed this sentiment, stating that the program has given her life a dedicated purpose amidst the challenges of school and work.
Support and Oversight
The GDF ensures that student volunteers are thoroughly vetted, including checks of their living conditions to guarantee the puppies' well-being. Monthly check-ins are conducted to monitor the dogs' physical and behavioral health, and volunteers have access to support at all times for any overnight issues. GDF provides essential supplies, including veterinary care, grooming tools, and training equipment, although volunteers are responsible for providing dog food.
The Mutual Impact of the Program
The relationship between the students and the puppies is mutually beneficial. While students gain life skills and emotional support, the puppies receive essential training that prepares them for their future roles. Storck highlights the significance of the volunteers, stating, “We couldn't have the dogs ready for placement and to learn their formal skills without our puppy raisers.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Who doesn't love the thought of having a dog in a college dorm when you're going through university?” — Allison Storck, Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Guide Dog Foundation
- “You need to start managing your time, making sure that you have plenty of time to walk to class and that you can have time to let the dog relieve themselves before entering. You really learn how to manage responsibilities. Now I have a puppy… I'm no longer just caring for myself, I'm caring for someone else.” — Alex Pechler, Former Volunteer
- “School, work, all of those things can be a little overwhelming, but even though there is that added responsibility of having a dog, it is something that I can pour my heart into. It's definitely kind of given my free time a dedicated purpose.” — Grayson Shirley, Senior, University of Georgia
This program exemplifies how college students can contribute to a meaningful cause while simultaneously enhancing their own lives through the responsibility of raising service dogs.
