Training Tip From the Professionals!
By the time a Canine Companions service dog is two years old, it will know more than 45 tasks to help their partner. Our puppies are taught basic skills as a foundation for learning more complex tasks. We begin these basics with our pups starting at eight weeks; however, most dogs can learn these at any age.
Try this one with your dog!
Basic Skill: Touch
Why it’s important
The touch skill teaches the puppy to touch its nose to the palm of the handler’s hand. This can be used to get the puppy to come to you and get the puppy next to or in front of you (where the nose goes, the body tends to follow!). This is an easy and fun way to build a bond and love for learning.
How a service dog will use this skill
Canine Companions trainers use this skill to teach more complex tasks such as pushing automatic door plates, crosswalk buttons and turning on and off light switches. Our clients use this to cue their service dogs to operate any of these items or others that may be out of reach.
How you can use this skill with your dog
Want to get your dog to come to you? The Touch skill can help with that! Start with small distances and be consistent in rewarding your dog. Don’t forget to have FUN!
Check out this video demonstration with Puppy Eleanor.
St. Francis Winery Pairs Great Wines and Service Dogs
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards honors its namesake, St. Francis of Assisi (the patron saint of animals), by supporting Canine Companions. For every bottle of St. Francis wine purchased through 2023, the winery will donate $1.00 to Canine Companions up to $100,000. Check out our partnership video.
Join St. Francis Winery In Making a Difference
Canine Companions currently has a waiting list of about 500 people who need a life-changing service dog. All Canine Companions service dogs are provided free of charge. You can help lead the way to greater independence.
Looking To Get Involved?
Contact your local regional office and let them know you’re interested in getting involved:
Serving Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Western Pennsylvania.
Serving New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
Serving Northern California, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska.
Serving Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.
Serving Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi and Alabama.
Serving Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Southern California, Southern Nevada and Hawaii.