Service Dogs Embark on Journey of Service

Harrisburg, PA, June 10, 2014 /3BL Media/ -- On June 9, five local service dogs will start Team Training with Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD), located in Grantville, PA.  While it’s the end of one journey for them, it’s the start of another.  These dogs have been in training with volunteer puppy raisers for SSD since they were 8 weeks old and spent about 6 months in advanced training, all preparing them for their journey to be a service dog.

Starting on June 9, these five dogs have been matched with human partners through SSD who will be using these dogs to help them live their lives more independently.  The two and a half week training in Harrisburg is a commitment the partners have to make in their agreement to have a service dog.  They will learn how to handle the dog, cues to use, and how to care for the dog.  They will also spend time working the dogs in public with the assistance of a trainer to make sure the dog and partner become comfortable together and start to create the bond that is needed for success in this partnership.

SSD places about 15-20 dogs a year.  Service dogs are trained to assist children and adults with a wide range of disabilities, including physical, psychiatric disabilities and autism. Each dog receives individualized training, depending on the unique needs of their partner.

With the assistance of a service dog, balance dog, hearing dog, facility dog, companion dog or in-home service dog, individuals can lead more independent lives. These dogs may reduce or eliminate their partners’ reliance on adaptive equipment and can enhance their partners’ ability to move about in public places by performing tasks that may otherwise have hindered their partners’ movement or required human assistance. Individuals are able to increase their interaction with other people and their environment.

Susquehanna Service Dogs, a program of Keystone Human Services Children & Family Services, trains and provides service dogs for children and adults with disabilities. These service dogs assist children and adults to become more independent and lead full, rich lives in the community.

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A copy of the official registration and financial information for Keystone Human Services Children & Family Services and Keystone Partnership may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.