The Program
Our Dogs
We primarily acquire our dogs from animals shelters and rescue groups .. in this way we give dogs which to little fault of their own have been dis-placed and unwanted .. a chance to full-fill their greatest desire which is to serve and please a human partner.
There are no particular breeds or an ideal size of dog that we look for .. it is completely based on each dogs individual personality and temperament .. For the most part we pick dogs between the ages of one to four years of age.
When we acquire a new dog .. the first stage is to introduce him or her into a stable 'canine pack' environment .. It is here that their old ways loose meaning and new expectations are learnt .. also at this time we get to know our new member better.
From this point a foster home is found and the individual training begins .. These temporary homes may last anywhere from two months .. up to a year .. It is at this stage that the dog completes its obedience and socialization training .. Our volunteers that open their home .. share their family and other pets .. with our dogs towards them becoming an assistance dog .. is a vital part of the program .. Together we make .. People Helping Dogs Help People.
Our program also provides for people who would like to use their current pet as an assistance dog whenever it is feasible and appropriate.
Training
All animals are learning throughout their entire life .. Our method of training uses 'natural' learning .. "classical conditioning" .. and 'guided learning' .. "operant conditioning" .. to maximize outcomes while keeping stress to a minimum .. One of the methods used .. known as "Clicker Training" (event marking) .. has gained public recognition through marine mammal training.
All of our dogs complete an extensive training regime .. that includes learning all the skills and tasks that its' disabled partner might call on for assistance .. But far and beyond that .. we train each assistance dog to seek and respond to an interpersonal .. (or is that) inter-species-al relationship.
Placements
The matching of the assistance dog with the human partner is the trickiest part of the process .. getting right the combination of needs .. pace & personality is very important to maximize the benefits the human partner receives .. As it goes without saying .. we are all very different .. with different needs and expressions .. The idea of one breed of dog .. with one set of trained "tasks" .. fits all .. is not realistic or feasible .. So getting the match right is the most important thing we have to be concerned with .. It is at this stage that the human partner goes through quite a bit of training as well.
Follow Ups
After the team has been matched .. there are ongoing follow-ups to ensure that the relationship is working .. and to assist in making it even better .. These follow-ups continue for the life of the relationship.
