Breeders
NSD Jan
Woof! Woof!
(Hello!)
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Date of Birth: December 25, 2020
Sire: PADS Robbie
Dam: PADS Dove
Litter: Donation
Puppy Sponsor: Shelley Sheridan, in honour of her wonderful mom JANet, who was born in JANuary ~ “My mom has always been there for me and now I’d like to pay it forward so that JAN can be there for someone else”
Volunteer Team: Emma Speller, Julie MacCuish, Morgan Ellis
Sponser Future NSD Puppies
Help Our Service Dogs Change Lives
Donate
At NSD, we do not receive any government funding to support our mission. Instead, we rely entirely on the generous support of individual donors, community partners, corporate sponsors, service clubs, and through annual fundraising events.
Help us empower people to achieve their full potential. Show your support and donate today.
Volunteer
NSD would not exist without the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers. Their commitment to our mission and the individuals we serve is truly inspiring, and we are honoured to have them as part of our family.
If you are interested in joining our outstanding team of volunteers, we encourage you to submit an application.
Jan's Updates
April 2021
Since flying Jan home from Vancouver, we have grown immensely as a team! She surprises me every day with how smart she is at such a young age. In 2 months, she has learnt to ask to go outside (is fully potty trained), to loose leash walk, sit, down, go to mat, go to crate, drop it, leave it, can settle nicely around other dogs and so much more! She is quick to catch on to what you are asking of her and is eager to please…especially if treats are involved! She’s a spunky puppy with so much personality and energy and can always find a way to make you laugh!
July 2021
Jan is working hard on her duration and distractions when it comes to her cues. She is working on her jacket manners and being confident during outings. She loves coming to work and is improving her skills every day!
November 2021
Jan has been working hard on her public manners and has come such a long way! She enjoys coming to the office where she works hard on her settling skills. She has a bold personality and loves to learn.
July 2022
NSD Jan welcomed 3 puppies on July 19th! Two yellow females and a black male with dad, NSD ReMax. Jan has been a great first-time mom so far and everyone is doing great!
August 2022
NSD Jan has become a beautifully calm, confident and nurturing mother. Her 3 puppies are showing signs reflective of her and of their dad, NSD Remax. NSD Jan has not forgotten her skills at leash respect and at settling.
March 2023
Jan welcomed one female, NSD Kalli, on March 3rd with NSD Ranger.
Everything You Need to Know
Program
Health Clearances
Volunteer
Ensuring Access to Quality Dogs
Since 2019, NSD has been a member of the Assistance Dogs International Breeding Cooperative (IBC). As part of this partnership, NSD also utilizes and is a member of the International Working Dog Registry (IWDR).
All IBC members track their dog’s health, training and placement data through the database across the life of the dog. This data informs our breeding decisions by allowing us to review in depth background information on a potential breeder’s:
- Year over year health; including the health of their siblings, parents and offspring
- Temperament testing and training assessments; including the number of puppies produced to successful deployment by them, their parents, siblings and offspring
- Placement ratios by program type (i.e Autism, PTSD, Hearing, Facility etc)
- Possible mates: using Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), we can match dogs online to see their estimated production values for hip and elbow health, eye health, and genetic disorders
Breeder Health Clearances
- Annual eye exams with a board certified ophthalmologist (including post-retirement)
- Penn Hip screening with a certified Penn Hip veterinarian
- OFA Elbow screening
- Echocardiogram with a board certified cardiologist
- Genetic screening
- Breeding soundness exam with a reproduction veterinarian
- Temperament screening with qualified NSD training and breeding team members
Become a Breeder Caretaker
Provide a loving environment for a breeding dog in between litters. As a Breeder Caretaker, you get to help the next generation of Service Dogs begin their journey. In this role, you welcome a breeding dog into your home and provide a safe and loving environment in between litters. You bring the dog to all of their appointments and care for them until retirement from the breeding program; females typically retire after 4-5 litters or at 6 years old. Preferably, Breeder Caretakers for female dogs also welcome litters of puppies! With support from staff and our whelping program, you would host the litter of puppies for about 7 weeks. This includes keeping the puppies’ area clean and stimulating for both mom and her puppies. The main goal at this stage is to care for and socialize the puppies until they are ready to start training with their Puppy Raisers. As a Breeder Caretaker, you are the first step in raising confident Service Dogs. A volunteer must:
- have a flexible schedule
- live within 45 minutes of NSD (1286 Cedar Creek Rd)
- have no children under the age of 5 living in the house
- have a maximum of 2 dogs in their home that are over one year of age