What breed of dogs do you train?
We focus on Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and doodles (either of these breeds mixed with a poodle) because these breeds have the best temperament and predisposition for using their mouths to pick up things, which leads to successful working dogs.
Where do you get your dogs?
We have gotten puppies from a variety of sources including other service dog organizations and private breeders. We do not currently take on rescue dogs, but rather look for dogs bred for temperament and good health to ensure the longest and best working life of the dog.
Do you train rescue dogs?
Not currently. While we are huge proponents of rescuing dogs and have rescued dogs as our personal pets, we do not use them as our service dogs. We feel it is important to have access to the dog’s family history and health records to ensure that our recipients have strong, healthy dogs who will have a long life of service.
How long does it take for a dog to be trained?
Our dogs are typically ready for placement between 18 months and 2.5 years old. We begin socialization training at 8 weeks old, gently exposing them to a variety of stimuli, including new people, animals, objects, sounds, and experiences.
Where do your dogs live while they’re in training?
Our dogs spend nights and weekends with our foster families, and they spend their days at HQ learning.