Denver is a 7 month old English Labrador Retriever. He was born to serve. But first, he is busy getting an education.
Denver already knows how to sit, lie down, and stay on command. He also knows how to turn on a light switch, open a door, and retrieve a set of dropped keys.
Denver learned these skills by going to classes. Like all puppies, he has boundless energy and a short attention span, so training him is a process that takes time and patience.
Denver isn’t doing all of this alone. He is part of a team that includes his trainer, the other puppies in his class, the staff at Shaker Veterinary Hospital, and especially, his puppy raiser.
Denver lives with his puppy raiser and her family. With their help, he is learning how to be part of a human pack, how to go outside to do his business, and how to walk on a leash. His family also exposes him to all kinds of situations – stores, offices, airports, train stations, hospitals, parking lots, children, other dogs – and participates in his training classes with him, too.
When he meets all of the criteria to become a service dog, he will be matched with a person who’s disabilities require his help. Then, his puppy raiser will proudly watch him become part of a new team – service dog and partner.
If you think you would like to raise a puppy like Denver, please contact Empire Servicedog Program at 518-894-4611 (empireservicedogs@yahoo.com) for more information, or visit their website by clicking HERE.
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