Paws With A Cause is a national non-profit organization that trains special aid dogs for people with disabilities. Founded in 1979 by Michael Sapp, Sr., originally called "Ear for the Deaf," and specialized in hearing dogs. Since then, it has expanded to include Dog Service, Dog Response Seizures and Dog Service for Children with Autism. Since then PAWS has deployed more than 2600 Assistant Dogs in 41 states.
Video Paws with a Cause
Puppies and Training
Paws With A Cause dogs donated as puppies by private breeders, raised in PAWS headquarters in Wayland, Michigan, or rescued from animal shelters. While most dogs are Golden Retrievers or Labrador Retrievers, other native animals such as Cairn Terrier, Papillions, and Poodle are also used. However, in all cases, the parental hips donated by the puppy must either be OFA certified or exceptional, and all dogs are filtered with X rays before entering formal training. On average eight weeks, puppies are placed with Foster Puppy Raisers volunteers who are responsible for basic compliance training and socialization. When Foster Puppies reach the age of 14-18 months, they are transferred to PAWS National Headquarters for formal training.
PAWS trains dogs in three phases. During stage 1 of the training, which lasts about two months, their basic compliance skills are further honed. Phase 2, which consists of retrieval training, is conducted simultaneously. After both phases 1 and 2 are completed, the dog moves into phase 3. At this point, what type of help dog will be, and who will go to, will be determined. Phase 3 special training takes 4-6 months. Each dog is specially trained for specific tasks required by his clients in the future.
Maps Paws with a Cause
Client
After applying for Assistance Dogs, future clients will be visited by Field Representatives to assess their needs. Once accepted, they are placed on the waiting list. Although PAWS Dogs are completely free for clients, internal costs typically exceed $ 30,000 for breeding, training, and placement of dogs.
After the dog completes his formal training, he is taken to his partner's home in the future and the team begins training at home, supervised by Field Representative. About six months after the first meeting, the team is officially certified and dog ownership is transferred to clients. In addition, PAWS Dogs must undergo recertification every two years, to make sure the dog is still doing its job properly, and to address any additional training that the dog may need. Ideally, the dog will work for ten years or more, after which they retire. After retirement, the dog can continue to live with clients or go to live with family members or friends. Dog "Successor" is given free and as soon as possible after retirement from the dog before.
Career changing
Some dogs may not have the correct temperament, physical health, or stress resilience for being a dog assistant. Whenever in training, from puppies to placements with clients, dogs can be "washed" and/or changed careers. If the dog can not complete the PAWS training, but still has the right temperament to help the dog work, the dog can be transferred to the PAWS guide dog partner, Leader Dogs for the Blind for training there. Other "career work" is also an option for former Paws Dogs, including work for US Customs, Police Department, or Arson Detection.
External links
- Official Site
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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