Jon and Bentley, a new service dog team
By Liz Palika
September 25, 2009
My dog training organization, Kindred Spirits, is congratulating Jon Smith and his Goldendoodle, Bentley, on becoming certified as a new Service Dog team. You can see by their photo, both are quite happy!
Jon and Bentley began training with us in kindergarten puppy class and at that time, Jon said he wanted to pursue service dog training for Bentley. Although we told him that we couldn’t promise anything that early in the game, we did structure his training with that in mind.
Jon made sure Bentley was very well socialized and did a good job introducing Bentley to his basic obedience skills. A basic obedience class followed the puppy class, and Jon continued working with Bentley at home, out in the community, and in class. Bentley was a very silly puppy but he did fine.
When he turned into an adolescent, Bentley had a few rocky months but we knew it was a stage of development, and Jon did a good job with him. He remained patient and worked his dog through it.
We began Bentley’s formal service dog training when he settled down. Jon has mobility issues and Bentley was taught to help him with that — bracing for Jon to steady himself, helping steady him over curbs, up and down stairs, and on escalators. Jon often needs help getting up from a chair and Bentley knows how to help him there, too. Bentley is very willing and if he can understand what Jon needs, he does it.
Recently Jon and his wife were traveling and of course, Bentley went with them. Jon came back to Kindred Spirits glowing; he was so proud of his dog. He said Bentley did fine in the hotel rooms, in stores, and every where they went. He said people commented on Bentley’s good behavior everywhere.
Good job, Jon and Bentley! I’m so proud of both of you. Congratulations!
This reminds me - relative to a previous discussion here on PetConnection, I came across this interesting product idea:
http://www.sitstay.com/dog/sup.....ctId=56202
Comment by The OTHER Pat — September 25, 2009 @ 7:26 am
Hi The Other Pat! Teams that I work have little biz cards with their dog’s pic on the front and FAQ on the back. They also keep a hand out with similar info as found on Sit Stay to give out. Mostly because people are usually very interested in the job that the dogs do, but often the team can’t stick around and chat all day every day to everyone. These are more for interested people than places that deny access, but they have them for those times to. People always want to know where they got the dogs and where they can get dogs and that info is usually included to.
Comment by Nancy Freedman-Smith CPDT — September 25, 2009 @ 8:40 am
Hi, the OTHER Pat,
Yes we order those cards by the hundred and make sure each team knows how to order more.
Nancy’s idea of business cards with the dog’s info is great, too, but we know a company that makes bookmarks - 2 inches by 6 inches - so there’s a little more information on it. People love them.
Our therapy dog teams get these, too, to hand out to people they are visiting.
Comment by Liz Palika — September 25, 2009 @ 9:02 am
oooh! bookmarks!
Comment by Nancy Freedman-Smith CPDT — September 25, 2009 @ 9:18 am
Where can I get these bookmarks? I have a service dog in training, so the ADA cards don’t apply to me just yet.
Comment by AmandaS — September 25, 2009 @ 9:25 am
Oh, and congrats to Jon and Bentley! I know what hard, yet rewarding work it is.
Comment by AmandaS — September 25, 2009 @ 9:25 am
What a handsome and happy team they are!
Comment by Gina Spadafori — September 25, 2009 @ 10:59 am
woooo hooooo all around!
Comment by Phyllis DeGioia — September 26, 2009 @ 6:10 am