dogs in training

NSD Charley

Charley is currently with his puppy raiser. He is being taught a foundation of house manners and cues, for becoming a well-socialized part of the community.

All of the training and care provided to each dog would not be possible without the support of generous volunteers and donors.

Woof! Woof!

(Hello!)

Breed: Labrador x Golden Retriever

Gender: Female

Date of Birth: October 10, 2024

Sire: DGC Taco

Dam: NSD Euchre

Litter: C Litter

Puppy Sponsor: D-Day Wear by Attitude and Ideas

Volunteer Team: Diane Petrella, The Mustard Family, Vic Marosevic

Fund My Training

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.

Donate

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.

Volunteer

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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.

future NSD companions

Meet Our Dogs In Training

See Puppies