The Next Generation: How the Power of Mentorship Impacts Aspiring Trainers

Assistance Dog trainers are industry leading professionals that have the power to shape the next generation of aspiring assistance dog trainers through mentorship. By sharing knowledge, providing hands-on experiences and offering opportunities for aspiring trainers to develop their skills, mentors can help to set the next generation of assistance dog trainers up for success.

My Assistance Dog Work Integrated Learning Placement

I had the opportunity to work at the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides for 2 months through a Work Integrated Learning placement that was the capstone completing my diploma in Service Dog & Canine Studies Management at Medicine Hat College. Through this work term placement, I had the opportunity to work in each of the 7 unique programs that the organization offers: hearing, vision, seizure response, service, autism, and diabetes alert assistance dogs as well as facility dogs. Through working with a variety of instructors, I received a well-rounded experience and important learning opportunities Each mentoring instructor that I worked with shared one vital commonality - an engaging eagerness to mentor and teach.

In each of the 7 programs, every instructor welcomed me with a warm smile, positive attitude, and enthusiasm to share their knowledge! The instructors started by telling me about their program, the specific tasks they train their dogs and how those tasks benefit the recipient of the dog. By doing this, it established a foundation and gave me a thorough understanding as to what they do and why they do it to best serve their clients. Not only did the instructors show me how to train specific tasks, but they also broke down the learning theory behind the training and discussed alternative ways the task could be trained. Additionally, instructors helped reinforce this learning by giving me the opportunity to handle dogs in training and apply my knowledge directly through hands-on training experiences. By taking the time to explain their training methods, share stories and insights, as well as providing valuable hands-on experiences, I was able to considerably broaden and improve my assistance dog training skills and knowledge during my 8-week work term.

Escalating the Experience

While hands-on dog training was a primary focus of my learning at Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, another incredibly beneficial aspect was getting the opportunity to spend time with other important departments within the organization, including client services, veterinary, breeding and nursery, as well as puppy training and kennel. These additional experiences allowed me to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for all the elements and hard work it takes to breed, raise, train, and place an assistance dog.

While there is importance learning and growing professional skills, developing trust and rapport as well as having some fun are also contributing key factors to mentorship success. This work term opportunity required me to move across the country from Saskatchewan to Ontario, leaving me feeling completely out of my element. Beyond professional mentorship, all the instructors and staff also kindly took time to recommend local restaurants, shopping, and sights to see. Despite only being there for a short time, everyone went out of their way to make sure I felt at home and was able to make the most of my time in southern Ontario. A few instructors even invited me to explore Toronto on our days off. These experiences really showed me that kindness goes a long way. They made my work term placement the absolute best it could be.

Mentorship Leads to Inspiration

As a result of the instructors sharing their knowledge, providing opportunities, as well as their kindness and enthusiasm, I have been inspired more than ever to work toward my goal of becoming an assistance dog instructor. Positive mentorship is the backbone to the future of quality assistance dog instructors.

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Kaylee Kucher is an aspiring Assistance Dog Trainer. After completing the Service Dog & Canine Studies Management Diploma in 2025, including an 8-week work placement at the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, she developed a new love for training assistance dogs. With over 7 years of experience in conformation dog shows, various dog sports, and being mentored by a respected Golden Retriever Breeder, she has built foundational training skills and a passion to train dogs in various avenues.

As an assistance dog user for the last 3 years, she developed a passion and personal understanding of the pivotal work these dogs can do. With her personal experience she is finding new ways to bring support in various areas regarding assistance dogs in Saskatchewan, with the goal of influencing formal legislation in place to protect assistance dog teams.

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