Choosing the right pup

 The time has come!  This week, Cable will be selected from the litter of six puppies at Greylaur Goldens.  How do we choose?????

It's a tough decision!

I asked Amanda to tell us what she will be looking for. 

“First you have to check the puppies out a few times and see how responsive they are, their energy level, attentiveness, and see the wheel turning in the pups’ heads.  This takes a few visits before you know what puppy will make a good service dog.

You want one who has a chill personality with just the right amount of energy to work, and who focuses on you…

The temperament testing includes dropping items and seeing how the puppies respond.  Do they investigate, ignore it, seem startled?  Will the puppy follow you if you clap and coax it?  What is the pup’s response being held, being on its back?  Is the pup trying to seek attention or is it cool just chilling with you? There are so many tests to do in this stage of choosing the right puppy for work ethic.”

It could be one of us!

Pick me!

Amanda and trainer, Heather McLeod,  will check for specific traits listed in  The Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test  including social attraction, ability and willingness to follow, reaction to being restrained, social dominance, elevation dominance, retrieving, touch sensitivity, sound sensitivity, sight sensitivity and stability. 

Which traits do you see in these pups?

Confidence.

Aloof, affectionate, responsive, chill...

Patsy French of Florida’s Southeastern Guide Dogs says, You are “looking for a confident, people-focused dog. One that is sensitive enough to recognize a change in the client’s needs but at the same time is confident enough to handle a situation where the client may not be able to give the dog direction for a short period of time.”

“A strong work ethic, intelligence, trainability, and the ability to bond with an individual are the universal traits that make for successful service dogs.”

 

Stay tuned for the final decision!  

YOU can help with Cable's training by donating through GO FUND ME at:  https://bit.ly/3fvYtxd

or by participating in our walkathon, "Walking for Woofs," on until October 15th.  snapd.at/pewdjyc