Dogs-In-Training
Dogs in training complete four levels of training prior to placement as a service dog.

Puppies - focuses on socialization and an introduction to behavior shaping.
Pre-Adolescent - continues with basic skills training and begins more “service dog” skills.
Adolescent - builds upon the previous skills and adds chained cues.
Big Dog – Skills are fine-tuned during this final stage of training.

Puppies

Purebred Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles or Labrador Retrievers are the dogs of choice for NEWSD because of their natural desire to work with people, their retrieving instinct, their ease of care, and their friendly disposition. Puppies come from previous breeders or are donated from new breeders.

Puppies are evaluated individually as to willingness, response to environmental stimuli, retrieving instinct and general trainability between 7-12 weeks of age. Hereditary clearances and health history of the puppy's parents are required.

If you are interested in more information about our Program, please contact the NEWSD at (920) 437-1076 or by email. Remember, your donation is tax-deductible and very much appreciated!

Graduate Dogs
The placement of a service dog is always cause for celebration. Prior to placement, each potential human and service dog will go through an extensive matching process. This ensures the dog has skills necessary to meet the applicant’s needs and the “fit” feels correct. After matches are made, the new teams spend a very intensive three weeks in training. The dogs and graduates get to know one another and learn how to work together. The graduation ceremony marks the end of the “official” training period—though learning never stops.

Retirement
The decision to retire a service dog is based on the individual graduate’s decision with support from NEWSD. Generally, a service dog will retire between eleven – twelve years of age. NEWSD approaches our mission with a view to the whole life of our dogs, with follow-up from birth to the end of life.

(920) 437-1076

E-mail questions@newservicedogs.org