Why Don’t You Use Shelter and Rescue Dogs in Your Program?

There are many instances where shelter and rescued dogs would work nicely in therapeutic settings. However, when a lot of training is required, a dog whose genetic ancestry is known is much more suitable. It makes no sense to put hundreds of hours of time and training into a dog to find out later that the dog is unable to work due to an unforseen physical problem. There are numerous life or career ending diseases and conditions that can lie dormant until adulthood. Diseases that are hidden and not detectable until they manifest. A puppy from cleared parents is destined to have a much better health and temperament prognosis compared to dogs whose ancestry and genetic health is unknown.

Is it True that Poodles Don’t Shed?

Poodles have hair, not fur. Poodles do not shed. The hair keeps growing and needs to be groomed and cut on a regular basis – anywhere from every eight weeks to three or four times a year, depending on personal preference.

Are Males or Females Better?

It really depends on the individual. There are generalities but after working with many thousands of dogs over many decades it really just comes down to which INDIVIDUAL dog is more suited for a SPECIFIC job. Don’t be stuck on the gender of the puppy or dog. Go with the individual that will work best for you in a specific environment.

Will You Train a Puppy I purchase Elsewhere for Therapy Work?

No. We do not wish to spend our limited time training dogs that may not be suitable for the task they are being trained to perform.

Why do You Train Some Kind of Service Dogs but Not Others?

Again, it is all about having to prioritize limited amount of time and resources.

Why Do You Send Some Puppies Home Before They Have Been Fully Tested?

Many of our dogs we will send home at 8 weeks because we know from their parents and genetic history that they will be suitable for the tasks they are to perform. Dogs that need more specialized training we will keep longer for further aptitude testing.

You Have Already Named the Puppy I Want. Can I change Its Name?

You may name your puppy whatever you wish. However, older puppies and young dogs that are used to their names may have an easier time if you choose a name that sounds similar to the original.

If We Get a Dog For Our Assisted Living Facility Does the Dog Live at the Facility or Go Home With a Staff Member?

It can do either. However, we suggest having the dog or puppy be the responsibility of ONE staff member who can take the dog home on days off and at night. Dogs need “off” time as well as people. After the dog is firmly established as part of the facility it can be determined if the dog needs to continue to go home every evening and weekend. Usually, the answer is no. Once the dog or puppy gets used to the idea of living at the nursing home (or funeral home or rehab facility) it may do just as well at the facility as at home. However, in all cases the dog needs a private space in which to retreat should it get overwhelmed or just plain tired. An open, covered, large plastic crate in a quiet room is usually sufficient.

Can we Pick Out a Puppy For Ourselves?

Of course! But if we feel that you have made a poor choice we will let you know. We will always try to guide you toward the puppy with the best potential for the environment in which you wish it to preform.

What if I just Don’t Know which Breed to Get?

We will help you choose the breed, the age, the level of training and the individual puppy. We know our dogs very well.

Does it Matter that We Have Other Pets at Home?

Sometimes it does. Usually it does not. In cases where a higher level of training is required the dog or puppy may back slide somewhat if surrounded by other dogs with no manners. In this case, ALL the dogs at the facility or in the household should be held to the higher standards. In cases where there is just a cat or two, a hamster and an older dog it won’t matter.

If our Dog Needs Further Training, Will You come and Do it?

Yes. When the puppy or dog is picked up or delivered the initial training must be first approved before final payment is made. This means that we have delivered what we have promised. If the dog or puppy needs training in the future it will then be assumed that the new owners have been lax and allowed the puppy or dog to fall into bad habits. Dogs are not robots. They can not be programmed. Any training completed can be easily undone by inconsistent handling.

This is why we COME TO YOU in order to make sure EVERYONE on staff is on the same page, doing the same thing and after the same result – a well-behaved, well-mannered canine staff member.

A successful placement can only be achieved if everyone on staff that has access to the dog is willing to be consistent in the dog’s continued training. Therefore, any additional time commitment – other than phone or email correspondence – will be charged.