New Rules for Service Animals and the ADA
The Department of Justice is muddying the waters of the disabled and the use of service animals in the new definitions for what a service animal must be. In the past people have used animals of all types. Everything from a gerbil to a donkey for a wide range of disabilities including mobility, psychiatric, seizure alert, diabetic and hearing dogs.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
New Service Animal definition injures the disabled
Our current definition for service animal under the ADA is, "Service animal means any guide dog, signal dog, *or other animal* individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items."
The new definition is, "Service animal means any *dog* that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler's disability. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing non-violent protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, assisting an individual during a seizure, alerting individuals to the presence of allergens, retrieving items such as medicine or the telephone, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities, and helping persons with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors. The crime deterrent effects of an animal's presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition."
I, for one, agree with the definition that service animals should just be DOGS. I would love to have your thoughts on the subject as I am sure there are many opinions out there.
I welcome your comments and concerns. Please comment below.
Robert Forto | Team Ineka | Alaska Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works
___________________
Dr. Robert Forto the training director for Dog Works Training Centers, is a musher training for his first Iditarod under the Team Ineka banner and the host of the popular radio shows, Mush! You Huskies and The Dog Doctor Radio Show
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Future Home of Iditarod Dreams Part 2
The Future of Iditarod Dreams Part 2
If you got a chance to listen to the latest episode of the Mush! You Huskies Radio show you will know by now that the future home of the Team Ineka mushing kennel will be in Willow, Alaska.
Listen to the show here: Team Ineka in Alaska
After almost six months of traveling across North America, searching out suitable properties in Minnesota (twice), California and Alaska, we have settled on the Alaska property. While we would have loved to stay here in the Lower-48 states, it was just not possible. The Minnesota kennels were either too expensive or the county would not allow us to have a sled dog kennel. The California property was very nice but you had to drive well over an hour to run dogs and it was just too hot!
The Willow property is not a mansion by any stretch of imagination. It is a true musher’s property but it does have running water, electricity and full speed internet. There is an outhouse on the four acres “just in case”.
It is every mushers dream of finding a place in Alaska, and many of us have hopes of running the Iditarod one day. Team Ineka is one step closer now with the purchase of this property.
There are many things that are appealing about this place but a couple to note are: 1. dogs are allowed and we will not need special permission from the county or our neighbors. In fact there are several mushers in the neighborhood. 2. There are already kennel runs on the property. They need repair but they are there. 3. You can run dogs right from your property. I can literally hook up my team and go with a trail-head leading right up to the kennel.
Our goal is to spend six months a year in Alaska and six months in Colorado. We will maintain our business, Denver Dog Works here and it will remain fully operational with our third partner taking over the day to day tasks in about a year. We love Colorado but this is a place that we could not pass up.
My goal is to run the Iditarod in 2013. I will begin building my team immediately after my arrival in Alaska and start to run races starting this winter. By 2012 I will be running my qualifiers for the Iditarod and enter the race the following year.
While I have thought about this dream since the day I purchased my first Siberian Husky in the fall of 1987, it will take a tremendous amount of work to make this dream a reality but this is the first step to make it happen.
________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the Dog Sledding Examiner, a musher training for his first Iditarod under the Team Ineka banner and the host of the Mush! You Huskies Radio show.
If you got a chance to listen to the latest episode of the Mush! You Huskies Radio show you will know by now that the future home of the Team Ineka mushing kennel will be in Willow, Alaska.
Listen to the show here: Team Ineka in Alaska
After almost six months of traveling across North America, searching out suitable properties in Minnesota (twice), California and Alaska, we have settled on the Alaska property. While we would have loved to stay here in the Lower-48 states, it was just not possible. The Minnesota kennels were either too expensive or the county would not allow us to have a sled dog kennel. The California property was very nice but you had to drive well over an hour to run dogs and it was just too hot!
The Willow property is not a mansion by any stretch of imagination. It is a true musher’s property but it does have running water, electricity and full speed internet. There is an outhouse on the four acres “just in case”.
It is every mushers dream of finding a place in Alaska, and many of us have hopes of running the Iditarod one day. Team Ineka is one step closer now with the purchase of this property.
There are many things that are appealing about this place but a couple to note are: 1. dogs are allowed and we will not need special permission from the county or our neighbors. In fact there are several mushers in the neighborhood. 2. There are already kennel runs on the property. They need repair but they are there. 3. You can run dogs right from your property. I can literally hook up my team and go with a trail-head leading right up to the kennel.
Our goal is to spend six months a year in Alaska and six months in Colorado. We will maintain our business, Denver Dog Works here and it will remain fully operational with our third partner taking over the day to day tasks in about a year. We love Colorado but this is a place that we could not pass up.
My goal is to run the Iditarod in 2013. I will begin building my team immediately after my arrival in Alaska and start to run races starting this winter. By 2012 I will be running my qualifiers for the Iditarod and enter the race the following year.
While I have thought about this dream since the day I purchased my first Siberian Husky in the fall of 1987, it will take a tremendous amount of work to make this dream a reality but this is the first step to make it happen.
________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the Dog Sledding Examiner, a musher training for his first Iditarod under the Team Ineka banner and the host of the Mush! You Huskies Radio show.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Every Dog Has Its Day-Part 4
Every Dog Has Its Day- Part 4
“Every dog has its day dog, when the big dog throws him a bone. One moment in the sunshine, when your ducks line up in a row.” – Toby Keith
Toby has been very busy. He has been training with several other dogs in group classes and has gone on several field trips with his friend Alaric.
Toby and his handler are continuing to work together weekly and our progressing through their training very well. They are fast becoming a great team. Tomorrow Toby and his handler will be featured in the Denver Post YourHub.com and featured as a story about persevering, strength, and courage.
You can read the story here: Coping with a Little Canine Help
As you might recall when I met Toby his handler had rescued him from the Denver Dumb Friends League and do to her illness returned him just a month later on the same day I was too meet them. I was able to get her to go back and get Toby and upon my evaluation I discovered that temperamentally he was one of the soundest puppies I’d ever tested, so his training began immediately. Toby has been in training now for 5 weeks and has at least 7 weeks of intensive training to do with me at Denver Dog Works before he is sent to be with his handler permanently. When this occurs Toby and Shauna will begin their Canine Good Citizen Training and public training.
In the upcoming weeks Toby will be visiting several new places; the mall, grocery store, hardware store, park and vet office. Toby is also in Canine Good Citizen classes and is doing quite well being that he is the youngest in the class.
As a psychiatric service dog Toby will be expected to comfort, provide a safe environment, retrieve medications, and provide his handler with unconditional love and support in times of need. Toby is already performing his duties as a service dog and will continue to perfect his job over the next several months.
If you would like to help Shauna with the costs of training please contact us at Denver Dog Works
Tags: Canine Training Denver | Dog Training Denver | Michele Forto | Psychiatric Service Dogs
______________
Michele Forto is the Denver Dog Training Examiner, a certified canine trainer at Denver Dog Works and the co-host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show
“Every dog has its day dog, when the big dog throws him a bone. One moment in the sunshine, when your ducks line up in a row.” – Toby Keith
Toby has been very busy. He has been training with several other dogs in group classes and has gone on several field trips with his friend Alaric.
Toby and his handler are continuing to work together weekly and our progressing through their training very well. They are fast becoming a great team. Tomorrow Toby and his handler will be featured in the Denver Post YourHub.com and featured as a story about persevering, strength, and courage.
You can read the story here: Coping with a Little Canine Help
As you might recall when I met Toby his handler had rescued him from the Denver Dumb Friends League and do to her illness returned him just a month later on the same day I was too meet them. I was able to get her to go back and get Toby and upon my evaluation I discovered that temperamentally he was one of the soundest puppies I’d ever tested, so his training began immediately. Toby has been in training now for 5 weeks and has at least 7 weeks of intensive training to do with me at Denver Dog Works before he is sent to be with his handler permanently. When this occurs Toby and Shauna will begin their Canine Good Citizen Training and public training.
In the upcoming weeks Toby will be visiting several new places; the mall, grocery store, hardware store, park and vet office. Toby is also in Canine Good Citizen classes and is doing quite well being that he is the youngest in the class.
As a psychiatric service dog Toby will be expected to comfort, provide a safe environment, retrieve medications, and provide his handler with unconditional love and support in times of need. Toby is already performing his duties as a service dog and will continue to perfect his job over the next several months.
If you would like to help Shauna with the costs of training please contact us at Denver Dog Works
Tags: Canine Training Denver | Dog Training Denver | Michele Forto | Psychiatric Service Dogs
______________
Michele Forto is the Denver Dog Training Examiner, a certified canine trainer at Denver Dog Works and the co-host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Dog Training in Denver
Dog Training in Denver
Are you looking for a great place to take your dog on a hike that’s not too far from the city but will still give your dog a chance to feel like he’s off the beaten path?
Beaver Brook Trail is a great trail for you and your dog. The Beaver Brook Trail is a strenuous, 3.6 mile hike on the south rim of Clear Creek Canyon Denver that will take about 3 hours to complete.
A few tips for hiking with your dog:
Hydrate your dog prior to the hike and often during the hike
Check your dog’s pads; terrain can affect a dog’s pads especially when they aren’t used to rocks, gravel, dirt, or even asphalt. You can use booties or simply give them a “bagbalm” treatment
If your dog has lots of energy; outfit him with a doggie pack and he can pack in his own water, poop bags, first aid, and snack
Take a few rest periods along the trail if you and your dog are new to hiking
Pack a Snack!
Be respectful of others on the trail – pack your leash and follow all leashing and curbing laws
Leave No Trace!
Remember that Denver is a mile high and if you are new to the area this can affect both you and your dog. Check with your veterinarian to be sure your dog is healthy enough for strenuous exercise and if not, build up to this trail as its one of the best ones to enjoy with your dog.
____________
Michele Forto is the Denver Dog Training Examiner, a certified canine trainer at Denver Dog Works and the co-host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show
Are you looking for a great place to take your dog on a hike that’s not too far from the city but will still give your dog a chance to feel like he’s off the beaten path?
Beaver Brook Trail is a great trail for you and your dog. The Beaver Brook Trail is a strenuous, 3.6 mile hike on the south rim of Clear Creek Canyon Denver that will take about 3 hours to complete.
A few tips for hiking with your dog:
Hydrate your dog prior to the hike and often during the hike
Check your dog’s pads; terrain can affect a dog’s pads especially when they aren’t used to rocks, gravel, dirt, or even asphalt. You can use booties or simply give them a “bagbalm” treatment
If your dog has lots of energy; outfit him with a doggie pack and he can pack in his own water, poop bags, first aid, and snack
Take a few rest periods along the trail if you and your dog are new to hiking
Pack a Snack!
Be respectful of others on the trail – pack your leash and follow all leashing and curbing laws
Leave No Trace!
Remember that Denver is a mile high and if you are new to the area this can affect both you and your dog. Check with your veterinarian to be sure your dog is healthy enough for strenuous exercise and if not, build up to this trail as its one of the best ones to enjoy with your dog.
____________
Michele Forto is the Denver Dog Training Examiner, a certified canine trainer at Denver Dog Works and the co-host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Future Home of Iditarod Dreams Part 1
The Future Home of Iditarod Dreams Part 1
"It's your sled and your team don't let go of the sled"
-Chris Fuller
I'm writing this at 34,000 feet on my iPad on a flight heading to California to meet a new friend and to run dogs in the Sierra nevada mountains.
It has been years since I have been on the back of a dog sled. I have thought about this moment for just as long. Early in this new millennium, my wife, Michele got an opportunity to take a job in Denver, Colorado. She said you can come if you want but I am going. That changed my dog sledding plans and my training for the Iditarod in 2003.
In 2006 Michele was fed up with her job in denver as a paralegal at a large Denver law firm and wanted to join me at our new business at Denver Dog Works. I remember telling her the day she wanted to quit her job, "I won't tell you to quit or not, it's your decision, but just so you know, please don't blame me if you don't like it," I said.
Let's fast track to May of 2009. Our business, Denver Dog Works has survived well and we are making a name for ourselves in Denver and building a pretty nice life for our family, but that Iditarod dream just wouldn't go away. I started talking to people on Facebook and one person I be-friended was Iditarod veteran Hugh Neff. We got to talking and soon I asked him if he would like to come out to Colorado and speak at my daughter's school on his upcoming tour in the fall. He accepted and we started making plans.
Hugh visited Prairie Middle School in September and he and I had breakfast afterwards and just "talked dogs". I had mentioned that I wanted to run the Iditarod and my plans were to do it in 2013. He said, "get in shape and come to Alaska."
In January of 2010 I was privileged to connect with Chris Fuller a public speaker, business coach and author of the book Iditarod Leadership. Chris was hosting a conference in Anchorage to correspond with the start of the Iditarod. I accepted his invitation to attend and made plans to be in Anchorage for the Iditarod start the first Saturday in March. Soon after I booked my flight I contacted Hugh and said I would be there.
I arrived in Anchorage on a red eye Wednesday night before the ceremonial start on Saturday and attended Chris' conference. It was awesome! That evening was the mushers banquet and got to meet a lot the mushers and new friends.
On Friday I met Hugh in Wasilla and he introduced me to his team and offered me a handlers pass for Saturdays start on Fourth Street. Hugh was staying at a friend of his, Dave Sheer, a veteran musher and realtor. I said as I was leaving, "let me get your number, I might be looking for a place up here soon." those words changed my life forever.
The ceremonial start was everything I expected. I helped Hugh and his team get started and learned a lot about race preparations.
I had a red eye flight to catch on Saturday night so I wasn't able to go to Willow for the official start on Sunday but that was okay.
I arrived back in Denver full of enthusiasm and motivation. Michele and I talked about it and decided it was time to get back into racing. Within three weeks I was looking at a property in Minnesota that showed promise but the county wouldn't allow a sled dog kennel.
I decided to call Dave. I had lost his number so I sent a message to Hugh. He said, "he's on Facebook."
I sent Dave a message asking if he remembered me and he said, "of course... What's on your mind?"
Within a few days we found a home for sale and I made plans to go up to alaska to see it. On July 3rd, my daughter and I will be heading up for another quick trip. This time to take the next step in our journey.
To be continued...
_________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the dog sledding examiner, a musher training for his first Iditarod in 2013 under the Team Ineka banner and the host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show.
"It's your sled and your team don't let go of the sled"
-Chris Fuller
I'm writing this at 34,000 feet on my iPad on a flight heading to California to meet a new friend and to run dogs in the Sierra nevada mountains.
It has been years since I have been on the back of a dog sled. I have thought about this moment for just as long. Early in this new millennium, my wife, Michele got an opportunity to take a job in Denver, Colorado. She said you can come if you want but I am going. That changed my dog sledding plans and my training for the Iditarod in 2003.
In 2006 Michele was fed up with her job in denver as a paralegal at a large Denver law firm and wanted to join me at our new business at Denver Dog Works. I remember telling her the day she wanted to quit her job, "I won't tell you to quit or not, it's your decision, but just so you know, please don't blame me if you don't like it," I said.
Let's fast track to May of 2009. Our business, Denver Dog Works has survived well and we are making a name for ourselves in Denver and building a pretty nice life for our family, but that Iditarod dream just wouldn't go away. I started talking to people on Facebook and one person I be-friended was Iditarod veteran Hugh Neff. We got to talking and soon I asked him if he would like to come out to Colorado and speak at my daughter's school on his upcoming tour in the fall. He accepted and we started making plans.
Hugh visited Prairie Middle School in September and he and I had breakfast afterwards and just "talked dogs". I had mentioned that I wanted to run the Iditarod and my plans were to do it in 2013. He said, "get in shape and come to Alaska."
In January of 2010 I was privileged to connect with Chris Fuller a public speaker, business coach and author of the book Iditarod Leadership. Chris was hosting a conference in Anchorage to correspond with the start of the Iditarod. I accepted his invitation to attend and made plans to be in Anchorage for the Iditarod start the first Saturday in March. Soon after I booked my flight I contacted Hugh and said I would be there.
I arrived in Anchorage on a red eye Wednesday night before the ceremonial start on Saturday and attended Chris' conference. It was awesome! That evening was the mushers banquet and got to meet a lot the mushers and new friends.
On Friday I met Hugh in Wasilla and he introduced me to his team and offered me a handlers pass for Saturdays start on Fourth Street. Hugh was staying at a friend of his, Dave Sheer, a veteran musher and realtor. I said as I was leaving, "let me get your number, I might be looking for a place up here soon." those words changed my life forever.
The ceremonial start was everything I expected. I helped Hugh and his team get started and learned a lot about race preparations.
I had a red eye flight to catch on Saturday night so I wasn't able to go to Willow for the official start on Sunday but that was okay.
I arrived back in Denver full of enthusiasm and motivation. Michele and I talked about it and decided it was time to get back into racing. Within three weeks I was looking at a property in Minnesota that showed promise but the county wouldn't allow a sled dog kennel.
I decided to call Dave. I had lost his number so I sent a message to Hugh. He said, "he's on Facebook."
I sent Dave a message asking if he remembered me and he said, "of course... What's on your mind?"
Within a few days we found a home for sale and I made plans to go up to alaska to see it. On July 3rd, my daughter and I will be heading up for another quick trip. This time to take the next step in our journey.
To be continued...
_________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the dog sledding examiner, a musher training for his first Iditarod in 2013 under the Team Ineka banner and the host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Training Your Dog is a Nationwide Phenomenon
Training Your Dog is a Nationwide Phenomenon
Training with your dog has become a nationwide phenomenon. The dog training industry has doubled in size in the past decade. Just look at Denver, Colorado. Ten years ago, dog day cares began to sprout up around the city as well as dog parks. Twenty years ago, no one would have imagined a day care for doggies being a lucrative business venture.
Today more than ever people take better care of their pets, extending the lives of their pets and enriching their own lives. Training isn’t just about teaching your dog obedience any more. Training is as much an activity for pet parents as soccer is on Saturday afternoons for human parents.
In Denver, I have watched the industry of dog training and dog related businesses boom. There are over 200 dog trainers in the Denver metro area alone giving us the most choices per capita for dog trainers. The industry is highly competitive and so is the pricing and the types of training being offered.
Read more about Nationwide Training
Dog training definitely is a trend. Training with your dog enhances your relationship, builds trust, and strengthens our bond with canines. There are several styles of training and trainers to choose from. Do your research and become familiar with the types of training styles available to best determine the style of training that will work best for you.
_____________________
Michele Forto is Denvers Dog Training Examiner, a certified canine trainer at Denver Dog Works and the co-host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show
Training with your dog has become a nationwide phenomenon. The dog training industry has doubled in size in the past decade. Just look at Denver, Colorado. Ten years ago, dog day cares began to sprout up around the city as well as dog parks. Twenty years ago, no one would have imagined a day care for doggies being a lucrative business venture.
Today more than ever people take better care of their pets, extending the lives of their pets and enriching their own lives. Training isn’t just about teaching your dog obedience any more. Training is as much an activity for pet parents as soccer is on Saturday afternoons for human parents.
In Denver, I have watched the industry of dog training and dog related businesses boom. There are over 200 dog trainers in the Denver metro area alone giving us the most choices per capita for dog trainers. The industry is highly competitive and so is the pricing and the types of training being offered.
Read more about Nationwide Training
Dog training definitely is a trend. Training with your dog enhances your relationship, builds trust, and strengthens our bond with canines. There are several styles of training and trainers to choose from. Do your research and become familiar with the types of training styles available to best determine the style of training that will work best for you.
_____________________
Michele Forto is Denvers Dog Training Examiner, a certified canine trainer at Denver Dog Works and the co-host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Every Dog Has Its Day
Every Dog Has It’s Day
“Every dog has its day dog, when the big dog throws him a bone. One moment in the sunshine, when your ducks line up in a row.” – Toby Keith –
The lyric quoted above fits my next story so fitting its eerie. I am currently training a German Shepherd puppy named Toby.
I received an inquiry about a week ago. I heard desperation on the other end of the line and began to stop what I was doing to listen more attentively. A mother, was looking for help for her adult daughter, who was in need of emotional support, comfort, and stability. “My daughter adopted a puppy about 30 days ago and we found a trainer but she doesn’t certify service dogs, do you do that?”
We spoke for about thirty minutes and agreed to meet so I could evaluate little Toby to be sure he had the right temperament and stamina to go through the training to possibly become a psychiatric service dog.
The morning we were due to meet I received another phone call from the Mother, she was frantic and in tears. Her daughter had a breakdown and decided Toby was too much responsibility for herself and took him back to the Denver Dumb Friends League the night before.
After explaining to the Mother, what my plans were and how I can help, she gave her daughter a call and convinced her to call me. Meanwhile, the Mother followed my advice and contacted the Denver Dumb Friends League and explained the situation and asked that Toby be held. Her daughter did contact me and once I explained that Toby would be staying with me for 12 weeks and doing training through the most difficult times of puppyhood, she agreed to go get Toby and meet with me as scheduled.
They arrived for their appointment, Mother, Daughter, and Toby. I observed body language, interactions, obedience for a 12 week old puppy, and did my standard temperament test. Toby is one of the most stable balanced puppies I’ve ever observed. He has the “gift”. This first week he has proven that he is up for the task. He’s been on a field trip daily since his arrival, is understanding that wearing his training vest means he must act responsibly in his surroundings and when it’s off he understands that he can be a “dog” but still has to behave with dignity and have manners.
Toby has been enrolled into Denver Dog Works psychiatric service dog program, he will undergo 12 weeks of intensive training with my staff and I. Toby will then return home to his handler and participate in weekly training sessions for the next 12 weeks and then begin his public access training and polishing his service commands. Toby will be learning approximately 60 verbal commands of which 20 commands will have had signals.
Follow Toby through his training program, I will be writing this article weekly giving you updates.
___________________
Michele is Denvers Dog Training Examiner, a certified canine trainer at Denver Dog Works and the co-host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show.
“Every dog has its day dog, when the big dog throws him a bone. One moment in the sunshine, when your ducks line up in a row.” – Toby Keith –
The lyric quoted above fits my next story so fitting its eerie. I am currently training a German Shepherd puppy named Toby.
I received an inquiry about a week ago. I heard desperation on the other end of the line and began to stop what I was doing to listen more attentively. A mother, was looking for help for her adult daughter, who was in need of emotional support, comfort, and stability. “My daughter adopted a puppy about 30 days ago and we found a trainer but she doesn’t certify service dogs, do you do that?”
We spoke for about thirty minutes and agreed to meet so I could evaluate little Toby to be sure he had the right temperament and stamina to go through the training to possibly become a psychiatric service dog.
The morning we were due to meet I received another phone call from the Mother, she was frantic and in tears. Her daughter had a breakdown and decided Toby was too much responsibility for herself and took him back to the Denver Dumb Friends League the night before.
After explaining to the Mother, what my plans were and how I can help, she gave her daughter a call and convinced her to call me. Meanwhile, the Mother followed my advice and contacted the Denver Dumb Friends League and explained the situation and asked that Toby be held. Her daughter did contact me and once I explained that Toby would be staying with me for 12 weeks and doing training through the most difficult times of puppyhood, she agreed to go get Toby and meet with me as scheduled.
They arrived for their appointment, Mother, Daughter, and Toby. I observed body language, interactions, obedience for a 12 week old puppy, and did my standard temperament test. Toby is one of the most stable balanced puppies I’ve ever observed. He has the “gift”. This first week he has proven that he is up for the task. He’s been on a field trip daily since his arrival, is understanding that wearing his training vest means he must act responsibly in his surroundings and when it’s off he understands that he can be a “dog” but still has to behave with dignity and have manners.
Toby has been enrolled into Denver Dog Works psychiatric service dog program, he will undergo 12 weeks of intensive training with my staff and I. Toby will then return home to his handler and participate in weekly training sessions for the next 12 weeks and then begin his public access training and polishing his service commands. Toby will be learning approximately 60 verbal commands of which 20 commands will have had signals.
Follow Toby through his training program, I will be writing this article weekly giving you updates.
___________________
Michele is Denvers Dog Training Examiner, a certified canine trainer at Denver Dog Works and the co-host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show.
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