Introducing the Adorable Heroes-in-Training
These adorable furry bundles of joy play a crucial role in the organization’s mission to alter the staggering statistics of lives lost to suicide. With their innate abilities and unwavering loyalty, these puppies are trained to become future service dogs, ready to provide invaluable assistance and companionship to those in need.
Each puppy is carefully selected and nurtured to ensure they possess the qualities needed to excel as service dogs. They undergo specialized training to develop skills such as detecting the onset of flashbacks, providing comfort during distressing moments, and promoting emotional stability. These young heroes-in-training hold the promise of becoming lifelong mental health buddies, offering safety, love, and purpose to their future partners.
Puppy Facts
What breed do you use for service dogs?
Our two partner schools train Labradors and one school also uses a Goldador, which is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador.
When does training start for a service puppy?
After only a few days old, a service dog puppy begins its journey of training and learning to discover that the world is a safe and caring place through contact with trained staff.
What is the role of a puppy starter/raiser?
Around 3 to 6 weeks of age, extraordinary puppy volunteers take a puppy to their home and begin socializing the puppy with outings to public venues, while teaching the puppy a few basic instructions. Over the year, more advanced training occurs at home and with formal puppy classes.
When does a service dog begin advanced training?
Around the age of one year, the young service dog returns to the campus for second level advanced training. During this the service dog is observed for strengths and potential matching to a deserving candidate.
How do the partner schools match and select a recipient for a service dog?
As a service dog is trained, 15-20 advanced skills are mastered, each assisting the eventual recipient with symptoms and situations related to post-traumatic stress and light balance assistance. Prior to a scholarship recipient receiving training, the matched dog has spent thousands of hours training over an approximate two-year period.
The recipient of the service dog attends a 2-3 week training session where a match is made, and the recipient learns how the service companion can support independence and expand daily activities/horizons.
Does a service dog have time to play?
A service dog with a vest on is a clear indicator in a public setting that the dog is working as a highly trained companion and its sole focus is on the health, safety and well-being of its companion. When the service vest is removed, this is a clear signal to the buddy dog that it is time for a well-deserved nap, playtime, or a moment of quiet.
How long does the
average service dog
work with a veteran or
first responder?
The average work life of a service dog is 10-12 years. Many times the service dog stays as the family pet, is retired, and a new service dog is placed with the individual.