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Assistance dogs at the heart of the family
Published Sunday, May 15, 2022 | by Chris Diefenthaler
We often hear pets described as being “one of the family.” For families living with an assistance dog, however, the relationship is more complex, and as we mark the UN International Day of Families, it’s a good time to celebrate the role that assistance dogs play in family life.
Assistance dogs: unlocking the door to independent living
Published Thursday, May 5, 2022 | by Chris Diefenthaler
None of us is entirely self-sufficient. However independent we think we are, from time to time we all need support, whether from family, friends or professionals. As the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL) puts it, “independence is created by having assistance when and how one requires it.”
The Heavy Truth About Program Puppy and Working Dog Weight Gain
Published Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | by Stephanie Colman
It’s a delicate situation. A volunteer puppy raiser or program graduate comes in for a visit, proud to report the most recent accomplishments, and as part of the conversation, you find yourself needing to bring up the “F-word.”
The dog is fat.
Nobody likes to talk about weight gain. Taboo or not, it’s important to help puppy raisers and graduates better understand the importance of keeping the dogs in their care, and dutifully working at their side, at a healthy weight.
Cats, rats, and birds, oh my! The role small animals play in training an Assistance Dog
Published Monday, February 28, 2022 | by Haley Gorenflo
At Paws With A Cause (also known as PAWS) in Michigan, you won’t find just dogs on campus. PAWS has had a variety of animals, some residents, and some visitors, help prepare the dogs in training for what they may encounter when they’re out working.
A Soldier's Heart - The Evolution of Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD
Published Thursday, January 27, 2022 | by Sheila O'Brien
Post-Traumatic Stress is not a new disability. Veterans participating in Wars since the beginning of time have probably suffered from PTSD. In 1865 during the American Civil War, veterans who had what we now know to be PTSD, were diagnosed as having a “Soldiers’ Heart.” In WWI it was diagnosed as “Shell Shock” and in WWII, “Battle Fatigue.” In Vietnam it was called the “Vietnam Syndrome.” Sometimes it was even thought to be cowardice or that the veterans were just lazy. This condition wasn’t given the name Post Traumatic Stress Disorder until 1986 and even then it was misunderstood and thought it would go away in 6 months.
Enrichment for Puppies
Published Wednesday, December 15, 2021 | by Samantha Jagt
Enrichment doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive! Enrichment allows for pups to engage in innate behaviours. As assistance dogs in training we might need to be more thoughtful in where and how we allow them to engage in these activities so we don’t encourage behaviours contrary to their future career. Within the parameters of what is best for their training and development we can encourage pups to engage in certain behaviours to allow them to be more mentally satisfied.
2021 ADI Virtual Conference Review
Published Friday, October 29, 2021 | by Margaret Hicks
The Power of Positivity: Embracing Change
Having been an enthusiastic participant in many ADI conferences over the past 20 years – from the smaller ADI Trainers Conferences to the larger Annual ADI Conferences—I was thrilled to be given the option of attending this year virtually. Let me share the good, the great and the fabulous of the ADI 2021 Annual Virtual Conference.
ADI International Breeding Cooperative
Published Thursday, September 30, 2021 | by Jackie Clark and Tara Doherty
Assistance Dogs International (ADI) is taking collaboration to the next level. They are building upon the incredible success of the ADI North America Breeding Cooperative (ABC) over the past 8 years and they are launching two new breeding cooperatives – Europe (EBC) and Oceania (OBC). These 3 breeding cooperatives will operate under the ADI International Breeding Cooperative (IBC) umbrella.