The Dogs

To see caption appear, put mouse cursor on photo (no click)

We choose shelter dogs carefully, screening them for temperament, intelligence, age, size, coat length and signs of retrieving ability. Each dog is veterinarian checked for overall health and soundness. The dogs then enter the Humane Society of Wilkes Foster Adoption program. This gives us up to 3 months to further evaluate each dog's potential before officially adopting the dog.

In the event a dog doesn't show assistance dog potential, then a loving home is found for the dog.  On occasion a smaller dog may be trained for a child. In our experience to date, we have found golden retrievers, labs, German shepherds, collies, and husky mix breeds, show good assistance dog potential.

On a national level, approximately 75% of dogs taken into assistance dog training programs are washed out due to poor health, poor temperament, or poor response to training. NLMAD is currently at about 50%. The number of wash-out dogs has decreased each year as screening skills and training methods have improved.

Dogs are in training usually from six to twelve months. All of our dogs retrieve dropped items and the phone. Our fully-faceted dogs' skills include being a walker dog or wheelchair dog or both if needed. All of our dogs are well-mannered and behave appropriately to other animals and unexpected situations. And last but not least, they provide unconditional love.

What the Dogs Can Do

Lots of photos here! Please be patient while they all appear.
[ and there are still several more photos to be added to this section ]

A walker dog provides balance and stability on the left or right side, sometimes in addition to a crutch or cane in the other hand. They also brace to walk up ramps and stairs. In the event of a fall, the dog braces to help a person reposition, or may aid a person by bracing for transfers.
A wheelchair dog pulls a manual wheelchair up ramps, across parking lots, in grocery stores and shopping malls, etc.
Other skills:
retrieving the phone and dropped items and fetching special items
turning on and off light switches
opening and closing doors
pushing automatic door buttons and elevator buttons
picking items from store shelves and racks
paying the cashier
carrying in groceries, carrying a bucket
unloading the dryer
opening the refrigerator door, retrieving a soda and then shutting the door
putting the empty can in the trash
fetching their harness or other gear
carrying items in their backpacks
wearing cute costumes