Breeding & Puppy Development Program

Selective Breeding

We focus on strong genetics to breed dogs selectively for the best behavioral traits and physical traits. Each litter is specifically bred for size, speed, and temperament to meet the individual needs of our clients. We mainly breed Labradors Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and crosses between the two, but have also utilized other breeds, such as German Shepherds. Mother dogs live with families until it’s time to give birth. The Center has a dedicated whelping area that provides a sterile environment for birth and round-the-clock supervision for the critical first 24 hours of the litter’s lives. The mothers stay at the Center with their puppies in special nursing suites until the puppies are weaned around 8 weeks old. In accordance with international standards, our brood stock only breed four times before retiring.

Puppy Kindergarten

During the puppies’ first 8 weeks, they live at the Center and receive early enrichment in Puppy Kindergarten. They are exposed to a variety of experiences, sounds, and textures. Puppies learn to walk on uneven surfaces, not to be afraid of stairs, and not be bothered by loud noises. They are also introduced to cats and other animals.

Volunteer Puppy Raising

When the puppies are 8 weeks old, they go to live with volunteer puppy raisers who nurture each puppy for a year with socialization, training, and real-world experiences. The majority of our volunteer puppy raisers are university students and they take the puppies everywhere, even to class! They use praise and positive reinforcement to teach the puppies left from right and right from wrong – including never taking food that falls on the floor. Our Puppy Managers visit each puppy once a month to evaluate them, offer guidance, and give volunteers new instructions. The volunteers raise the puppies with lots of love and affection – preparing them to bond with their future partners.

Career Assessment & Evaluation

When the puppies are around 14 months old, they return to the Center for evaluation. Trainers assess the dogs on very exacting standards for behavior and temperament and then choose the career path best suited to each dog. Career paths include Breeder, Guide Dog, PTSD Service Dog, Emotional Support Dog, and Ambassador. Dogs chosen for the Breeder and Ambassador programs do not receive additional training and go on to live with their forever families.

Advanced Working Dog Training

Dogs in the Guide Dog career path receive 4-5 months of additional training to master obstacle navigation, street safety, intelligent disobedience, problem solving, and focus amidst distractions. PTSD Service Dogs enter a 2-4 month training program focused on high-level emotional work where they learn to detect and interrupt flashbacks or nightmares, provide safety cues, and create space in crowded environments. Emotional Support Dogs receive any additional training needed for their specific family.

Client Matching & Partnering

Once advanced training is complete, we expertly match each dog with a person on our waiting list based on their unique personalities and individual needs. Guide Dog program clients train alongside their new partners for three weeks at the Center, followed by an additional week of specialized training in the client’s home. PTSD Service Dog teams complete intensive on-campus and in-home training, where each dog learns to effectively identify triggers and mitigate their partner’s episodes. Families receiving Emotional Support Dogs are instructed on how to care for and work with their new, loving companion.

Working Dog Retirement

Guide and PTSD Dogs typically work for 8 years before it is time for their well-earned retirement. These clients are partnered with new working dogs. It is up to the client to decide where the retired dog will live. They may keep the retired dog and the new working dog in their home or have us find another loving home to live out their lives in peace and comfort. Emotional Support Dogs don’t have a retirement date and live with their families as beloved members.

Testimonial

“Raising a puppy is an extraordinary experience. We learned about tolerance and sensitivity, as well as the importance of giving to others without expecting anything in return.”