Black Assistance dog rolled over and being goofy.

DWW Silver Pupdate

Another semester at Puppy Assistance Dog School has come to an end. Silver has been a busy kid, learning how to be calm and respectful when he is out and about! Assistance dogs need to be unflappable and calm no matter what the circumstances.

Puppy Assistance dogs learn how to do this through lots of experiences of many different situations and locations. They meet as many different people as possible, along with getting used to meeting other dogs and animals. They are taken along wherever their Puppy Raiser goes (within reason), which replicates their future life as an assistance dog, and allows them to experience as many new situations as possible. Each experience is handled in a positive and calm manner, so that they learn that new situations are not scary or exciting, and that Good Dogs don’t have to react. Silver is now a veteran of stores, and family sporting events, and is learning how to handle it all.

In addition to socialization, the Puppy Raiser actively trains the puppies to understand basic commands, focusing on desired social behavior.

Standard Cues and Skills:

NICE, NAME, BUSY BUSY, EAT UP, FORWARD, DRESS, KENNEL/OUT, RELEASE, SIT, DOWN, STAY, COME HERE, LEAVE IT, WATCH ME, EXCHANGE GAME/PLAY RETRIEVE, PUPPY YOGA (on back and on side), GROOMING, THANK YOU, LURING, TARGETING

Silver’s focus this quarter:

Busy Busy, Nice, Eat Up, Stay, Come Here, Leave It

His Puppy Raiser reports on Silver’s behalf:

“It took me a few days to get used to the snow this winter, but now I love to run around and play no matter the weather. I prefer going for a walk at the mall or grocery store rather than outside in the cold. I am the best helper when it comes to shopping! I love bananas, peanut butter and berries and I will do a happy dance for frozen kongs.”

Silver is growing and learning, and one day he will bring light to the life of an individual who needs his Assistance Dog skills. OSP is proud to be a part of it all, and we are excited to see what he can do next!

Dogs With Wings  is a charitable organization that breeds, raises and trains assistance dogs. The work that these dogs can do is often life changing, facilitating inclusivity, independence and emotional wellbeing for the individuals they help. If you are inspired by these dogs, and would like to participate in this work Dogs With Wings are often looking for volunteers: either as puppy raisers, Adult raisers, breeding homes, fundraising and more. Check out their website if you are interested in volunteering for their organization, participating in fund-raisers for their work, or financially sponsoring a dog to achieve its Assistance Dog wings.

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