"How do you decide if a pup is going to be a service dog or a companion dog?" This is a question we frequently receive from potential clients who are considering purchasing a dog from us. While all the dogs that we produce are incredible creatures, not every dog is perfect for the working life. The standards are so high for service dogs going through our program that we carefully identify pups with temperaments conducive to service dog training, detector dog training or those
better suited to in a
family dog life.
At seven weeks of age, we do what is called PAT testing, (Puppy Aptitude Test). We use a combination of the Volhard test and our own tests to determine if a pup has service potential or not. In addition to the Volhard test, we have added a couple problem solving and curiosity evaluations. Two of which are sound and smell tests. All of the tests are done in a room that the pup has never before been in, and the evaluator is a person the pup has never met. This helps to give a truer evaluation of who the pup is, and what his/her potential could be.
The Volhard test is a combination of tests that evaluate many different aspects of the puppy. Rated on a scale of one to six, they are tested on social attraction, social dominance, retrieving, as well as other things. Here is a video of one of our pups going through the Volhard section of the PAT test.
The expectation for a cuddle buddy is not nearly as intense as it is for a service animal. Since they don't have to be constantly working, and they don't need to have an incredible sense of smell, picking companion dogs is a much easier process. When we have puppies that have shown that they would better fit as a family dog, we will then look for a family, couple, or individual that best suits that particular puppy. Some pups have lots of energy and exuberance! Others are snuggle bugs and love to relax. We do our best to place pups with a family that matches their personality. Energy and wiggles thrives best in a busy family with active kids. The more relaxed calm puppy may do better with an elderly couple.
Sometimes we will have a puppy come through our program that is a bit higher drive. In those instances, we will do our best to place those pups in drug or explosive detection work. Detection dogs need to have an incredible sense of smell, while oozing confidence and work ethic. We have found our pups to excel in this line of work.
As you can see, there is much forethought, time, and energy expended as we do our best to place our Dutydog puppies and dogs in their ideal home.
Well, It's been a year since Jackie's most recent litter. All the pups are doing fantastic! This litter has landed jobs in all kinds of places!
Henry
Henry---This beautiful, settled black lab is still with us and continuing his training to be a Diabetes Alert Service Dog (DAD) for some fortunate individual. He loves to play, snuggle, and most of all WORK! He is such a problem solver, and loves to be out in public.
Daisy
Chester
Chester---Such a sweet boy!! He is in Wyoming being a fantastic companion/therapy dog for an older couple. Like his brother, he is such a fantastic boy and bringing much delight to his people.
Daisy--Petite and smart, she is also in Wyoming devoting her life to a lady she was placed with about a month ago.
Remington
Remington--This hard worker is in Canada being trained as a narcotics, explosives, and cash detection dog. Her trainer has glowing reviews for her, work ethic and intelligence!
Fun to look back and see where these dogs have gone and how they are thriving!
With summer already here the heat is quickly rising! Although we can put on cooler clothes, our service dogs are stuck in their beautiful coats. Because of this, we need to keep in mind ways to keep our dogs cool. Especially if the service that your dog is performing for you includes scent work.
Unlike us, dogs don't have sweat glands and can only lose body heat through panting. Keeping our dogs hydrated is imperative. There are many different travel bowls/bottles that make watering your pup easy. Also, at home you might think about getting a wading pool if your dog loves to play in the water.
Another thing to keep in mind during summer is asphalt and concrete. They get HOT!!! Next time you are in a parking lot and the temperature is above 85-90 degrees feel the asphalt with your bare hand or foot. This will give you a feel of what the dogs are dealing with on their poor paws. Perhaps that is why your pooch doesn't want to get out of the car! It BURNS! One way to deal with this if you are a passenger, is to have the driver drop you off at the entrance of wherever you are going. This way you can greatly minimize contact with the hot asphalt.
However, this may not be an option for you. Many service dog websites carry dog booties. These can be perfect for you and your dog to handle the summer heat. Your dog may need some time to get accustomed to wearing them, and you may need to do a bit of training with him. But it should help to take care of that hot asphalt on those paws.
Exercise is very important if you want your dog to be well behaved. There are many owners that have given up on their dog or puppy because they think he has way too much energy, or they are frustrated with the amount of non-dog items he's destroyed.
Out for a walk
Generally, this is due to owners who have not devoted enough time to exercising their animal. Most dogs were bred to work. They need to have a way to funnel their energy into a good healthy job or game. This can be
Keep your eye on the ball
Got it!
done with a walk, a retrieving game, a run, or whatever the owner and canine enjoy doing together. There is an endless amount of games and jobs that an active dog will do with zeal. Nothing gives them greater joy than hanging out with you!
However, if these exercising games are done only once a day, or not at all, this puppy WILL find a way to relieve their excess energy. That might be your favorite slippers, the stuffing in your couch, or whatever the dog can get his mouth in or on. This can get expensive; that couch now needs to be replaced, those slippers must be thrown away, and whatever else that energetic puppy can destroy may need to be replaced.
Exercising your dog can be a great bonding time and very enjoyable for both you and your dog. It is very beneficial for both of you. Exercise (and a bit of training) can transform a dog from a mischievous trouble maker to a very enjoyable companion.
