Life as a Service Dog in Training
A Morning in My Paws: Life as a Service Dog in Training
Hi, I am Storm (that’s me on the left); this is how I became a Warrior Freedom Service Dog.
The sun peeks through the kennel window, and I know what time it is — morning turnout! Turnout is when we leave our rooms and get to play outside. I can barely contain my excitement as I bounce with my kennel mates toward the yard. Our trainers watch closely, making sure everything goes smoothly. They make sure that only the right dogs are grouped together. Safety comes first, but I can’t help wagging my tail the whole way!
Breakfast is next, and oh boy, do I love breakfast! My trainers, Julie and Allison, and kennel techs, Britany and Emma, double-check my meal — just the right amount to keep me strong and healthy. Some of my friends get medicine with their food, and the trainers always ensure they get what they need. They even sign off on a special card to confirm everything is done properly. I don’t know much about those cards, but I know my friends are always feeling their best because of the care they receive.
While we relax, our trainers work hard cleaning my kennel. Britney lets us out into the yard while Allison tackles the cleaning. If there’s just one trainer, they take us out in smaller groups to ensure we get our yard time.
When we go back in before training, we wait for our turns in our kennels. I got a tasty bone. I love to gnaw on the bone, and it keeps me distracted and busy while my friends and I take turns getting trained. If I am lucky, I might even get some playtime outside while the others are training. I wasn’t so lucky today, ; but paws crossed for tomorrow.
Now for my favorite part of the day — training time! My friends and I get one-on-one time with our trainer to get closer to being a Warrior Freedom Service Dog. Some days, I work on walking politely by their side, while other days, I practice picking up objects or pressing buttons with my paw. I lose attention quick, though. Wait, what was I saying? Oh yeah, it is better to be taught my helping skills before getting distracted.
Training isn’t just about those one-on-one sessions. Throughout the day, we practice basic obedience like “sit,” “stay,” and “wait” during yard time, meal prep, and even play. Our trainers are constantly reinforcing good behavior, so learning never really stops. Oh, squirrel! Stay tuned to learn more about my afternoons.
An Afternoon in My Paws: Life as a Service Dog in Training
Hey, it’s Storm again! What a morning! It was non-stop fun, but now it’s time to chill. I curl up with my frozen Kong® treat, savoring every bit of peanut butter tucked into the corners while calming music plays softly in the background. This quiet time helps me unwind and recharge for the afternoon ahead.
Once I’m refreshed, the fun picks back up with afternoon playtime. Some days, we splash around in the pool, and other times, we play interactive games that teach us to follow instructions while having a blast. My favorite game is Tug. I get to tug on a toy to open doors and do other tasks in the future. Julie and Allison quickly step in if things get too rowdy, guiding us back to positive play. Structured play isn’t just fun; it helps us learn boundaries, build social skills, and practice good behavior.
On special days, I get to go on an adventure! Outings are my chance to practice real-world skills, like ignoring distractions, staying calm in crowds, and riding in cars. Once, I got to go to The Barn Nursery in Chattanooga. I really liked it because there were so many new smells, and I got to practice all the skills I had learned. Julie says these outings help me build confidence and adjust to the real world. Everything we do is bringing me closer to my forever Veteran.
When I’m not out exploring, I stay busy back at the kennel with basic obedience training. Grooming often happens during this time. Sometimes, I get brushed (which I love); other times, it’s bath day (not my favorite, but I sure do feel fresh afterward). My trainers also clean my ears and brush my teeth, helping me stay healthy and look sharp.
Another afternoon closer to becoming a Warrior Freedom Service Dog. See you at dinnertime. Yum!
An Evening in My Paws: Life as a Service Dog in Training
Hi, it’s Storm again! I’m back.
Guess what? It’s dinner time! The sun is starting to dip lower, and I know exactly what that means. Allison and Julie make their rounds, and I can feel my tail wagging with excitement. Dinner is just as important as breakfast, and they are super careful to ensure we get exactly what we need. If any of my buddies require special medications, Brittany and Emma are on it — making sure we get the right dose at the right time. They even mark it on their special cards so nothing is missed.
After dinner, it’s time to relax. I stretch out on my comfy bed while Brittany and Emma get to work preparing for tomorrow. They wash our bowls until they sparkle, fill Kongs with tasty treats, and ensure everything is neat and organized. I try not to drool thinking about the frozen Kong waiting for me; it makes bedtime even better.
Once everything is clean and ready, the lights dim, and the kennel gets quiet. With a full belly and the promise of another fun day ahead, I curl up and drift off to sleep. I dream about how one day I will get to change a Veteran’s life!