Often we find that the dog training community is very disjointed and competitive. We are trying to change that mindset in the service dog world. Service dog programs and trainers all have a common goal: to assist people through skillfully trained dogs. Each program and trainer is different in their training methods, program format, and the demographics they serve. This means that everyone has their speciality, and the type of client they work best with.
By networking with each other, we are able to help fill in the gaps that our programs aren't built to handle. This can include support through service dog breeding programs, referring clients to programs better suited to their disability needs, and sending service dogs in training with other service dog and therapy dog programs when a specific dog doesn't fit our own program model (example: a mobility service dog program with a training dog that doesn't enjoy object retrieval may be able to place that dog as a psychiatric service dog through another program). Networking also has the added benefit of increasing program coverage to a wider audience, which can help with fundraising, finding puppy raisers, and receiving donations.
Connecting with other programs and trainers is an amazing way to learn from each other! We strongly believe that every person and program has something to offer and teach us. Want to connect with us? Send an email to theservicedogconnectionprogram@gmail.com
Autism Service Dogs of America is located in Portland, Oregon. Kelly reconnected with staff at the program and spent a day training Aspen, one of their service dogs in training.
First Responder Therapy Dogs aims to make quality therapy dogs available to all first responders throughout the USA. An average of 20% of first responders will end up with PTSD from their job, and we are excited to be a part of a program aiming to reduce that!
Gabby is headed to the National Institute of Canine Services and Training in Concord, California to be part of their First Response K9 service dog training program. She will one day be a service dog for a First Responder in need.
Gem is a Golden Newfie puppy from our service dog breeding program. She headed to Ocala, Florida to join the Patriot Service Dogs prison program and one day become a service dog for a Veteran.
When Angel Paws Assistance Dogs announced that they were having a pop-up booth in Aneheim, California, one of our puppy raisers jumped at the chance to support them and pay a visit. Angel Paws is a newer program that trains multipurpose service dogs.
Grit is a Golden Newfie puppy from our service dog breeding program. He headed to Ocala, Florida to join the Patriot Service Dogs prison program and one day become a service dog for a Veteran.
Guide Dogs of America's breeding program sent us Finnegan, Falcon and Florence! These amazing Lab Golden crosses are doing wonderful in our service dog training program with their puppy raisers.
Lovebug is a Golden Retriever puppy from our service dog breeding program. He has joined Alaska Assistance Dogs in Wasilla, AK to be trained as a psychiatric service dog.
Bubba was a service dog in training with Cornerstone Companions Service Dogs until he was a year old. When they ran out of available puppy raisers they sent Bubba to us. Bubba has since been placed as a facility therapy dog at Mat Su Day School in Alaska.
Our friends at Cornerstone Companions Service Dogs came up for a three-day visit with their dogs to do a multi-day combined training session! Having our dogs practice training around other service dogs that they didn't know was so valuable, and everyone involved got to learn from each other.
Nalu was a service dog in training with Alaska Assistance Dogs until he was 10 months old. When it was determined that he didn't fit their program, he was sent to us. Nalu has now been placed as a facility therapy dog at Houston High School in Alaska.
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