dogs in training
NSD Nash
I got a job! My time as a “puppy in training” has come to an end and I found the perfect career path as a VIP (Very Important Pet)
Woof! Woof!
(Hello!)
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: April 28, 2023
Sire: PADS Zegen
Dam: NSD Chip
Litter: N Litter
Puppy Sponsor: Trigger Industries
Volunteer Team: Morgan Ellis & Trey Larue, Lisa Dinh
Fund My TrainingSponser 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.
Nash's Updates
September 2023
Nash is a wonderful boy. He is a very quick leaner, he is very calm but also loves to play with our other dog. He is currently working on loose leash walking.
December 2023
Nash has been doing an amazing with loose leash walking. We have been working on “turns” and excitement when people are at the door.
October 2024
Now that I am a Very Important Pet, my job is to provide love and support to my forever family. Life as a working dog was a little too much for me, but this feels like the perfect fit! I was adopted by a close member of the NSD community and have settled into VIP life beautifully.
Everything You Need to Know
Training
Volunteer
Apply
The flow of dogs through NSD’s Programs takes 0-2 years as follows:
- Step 1: Breeding Program
- Step 2: Volunteer Raiser Programs
- Step 3: Behavioural Assessments
- Step 4: University/College
- Step 5: Placement
The tireless efforts of our clients, staff, and volunteers allow our dogs in training to succeed, with social workers and mental health professionals present to ensure our entire process stays people-centric. After about 2 years of training and assessment, our NSD graduates are successfully placed in a client’s home.
Become a Puppy Raiser
Help raise a puppy into a life-changing Service Dog by providing love, training, and socialization until they are 14-16 months old.
Become an Adult Raiser
Help facilitate training and care for a Service Dog until they find their forever family. Polish the dog’s current skills and manners and test their abilities with a new handler as they enter a new environment.
Become a Carpool Driver
Transport Service Dogs with your car to their weekday training sessions. This volunteer role involves picking up NSD University/College dogs from their Adult Raiser’s home and bringing them to training in Kitchener/Cambridge.
Several factors determine the cost of a Service Dog.
Over their eight to ten year working life, Service Dogs are valued up to $50,000. However, each dog is provided free of charge to approved clients. All food and veterinary costs are borne by the client once the dog has been placed.
NSD receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations from the general public, corporate sponsors, fundraising events, and community supporters. We also host third-party fundraisers in support of our working dog teams.
Applications are on a referral basis. Please visit our program pages for more information.