Service Dogs of Virginia: Training Updates Inside

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SECOND QUARTER UPDATE

We’re excited to share the latest update on our incredible service dogs in training! Some of these hardworking pups are now halfway through their advanced training, while others are gearing up to begin this important next phase. Each one is making meaningful progress as they prepare for a life of service—read on to see how far they’ve come and what’s ahead!

SDV REMY

Remy is an all-around great dog. He is the Goldilocks of dogs in our program- not displaying too much of any one trait but is “just right”. His trainer describes him as the boyfriend you would choose for your daughter’s first beau- considerate, handsome, even- keeled, responsive and well- mannered. Remy’s favorite cue is “secret”.

Pictured: Remy practices “secret” with trainer Linda

SDV AUGIE

Augie has moved in with a new nights and weekend family. She is a lithe, muscular girl who moves with incredible grace. She is on track to be an Autism or PTSD dog. On a recent visit to the memory unit at a nursing home, August absolutely shined and spread so much love and joy as she delicately visited with each resident, offering her "lap" cue, kisses and quiet support while doing multiple rounds in the group. Her favorite cue is "embrace"

Pictured: Augie practices “embrace”

SDV STRATOS

Stratos is maturing and getting into less mischief. Recent circumstances have led to him being in several different homes and he showed great resilience and adaptability, quickly learning the rules of the house and managing his energy level depending on where he was. He can work well with multiple handlers and demonstrates an ability to focus and follow cues with different people whether he knows them well or not. He loves to play with other dogs and has a genuine affinity for children. His favorite cue is “hug”.

Pictured: Stratos practices hug

SDV WOODY

Woody is the poster child of an easy going, adaptable, dog. Woody would be class president and prom king if he were in high school, not because he works the hardest or is the smartest but because he is far and away the most amiable fellow. His only Achilles heel has been a sensitive stomach and we are working with a veterinarian to find a diet that supports his gut. Woody’s favorite cue is “flat”. It looks like he is just laying down but he will assume this position, melting into it like a slinky, when asked.

SDV NITRO

Nitro is learning some of the nuances of great loose leash walking. He is learning not to pull toward interesting odors in the grass but to wait for a “release, go sniff” cue as a reward for walking nicely. He is also learning to walk quietly next to another dog that he would prefer to be wrestling with. On these class outings, we start small and increase the level of difficulty as the dog shows us he is comfortable and understands the behavior. The key is to reward success and build on small accomplishments. Because he is a smart fellow and gives his all, Nitro is improving daily. His favorite cue is “close”.

Pictured: Nitro practices “close” with Executive Director Peggy

SDV PENNY

Penny has just begun advanced training. One of the newest things she learned is not a new cue but more of a life skill. On a recent adventure to the river, Penny splashed on the shore and wanted to retrieve a stick but when her feet left the bottom, she quickly windmilled backwards to shore. On a subsequent trip with less dogs and less wild splashing, she had no problem leaving the safety of her feet touching the bottom and easily demonstrated her swimming chops.

SDV NOURI

Nouri has been quite activated on outings. We see this in how she is up on her toes with an increased level of panting and in her struggle to do simple cues in difficult settings. We think she has hit her teenage anxiety stage and expect she will calm down with a little time. We have also encouraged her puppy raisers to increase her daily exercise since this can make a big difference for an adolescent. Her raiser reports her behavior at home has been fine with the exception of a surgical precision in removing squeakers from toys.

SDV PERRY

Perry’s puppy raiser dislocated two fingers (not because of him) and has needed to use a hands-free leash. Perry is steady in public and a few training tweaks gave his raiser all she needed to use this leash in public, without pulling or getting out of position. To help her, he quickly learned the “heel” command so his raiser can re-orient him when needed with little effort on her part. During some respite time for his raiser, Perry is gaining confidence working with new people.

Update on Bika: Bika has transitioned to the CIA scent detection training program. She is mid-way through their course and early reports show she is doing well. She is being trained as an electronics detection dog and her job will be to help law enforcement with cyber-crime. Former SDV dog “Star” has this job and is excelling at it, finding components that her human counterpart missed.

You can continue your support to ensure these dogs get the vital training, veterinary care, and specialized equipment they need to thrive as service animals. Your ongoing contribution is key in providing them with the skills and resources required to assist individuals with disabilities, enhancing their independence and quality of life. By giving, you’re not just helping a dog—you’re making a life-changing difference for someone in need.

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