dogs in training
NSD Harley
After being placed for a brief time in the NSD Breeding program, Harley has started University and goes to NSD for training 5 days a week. When not at NSD, she learns how to settle, cuddle and continue to be a welcomed member of the community. This training will help prepare her to be matched with her client.
Woof! Woof!
(Hello!)
Breed: Lab x Golden Retriever
Gender: Female
Date of Birth: October 3, 2022
Sire: SSD Tico
Dam: CPL Fausta
Litter: H Litter
Breeder Sponsor: Wellington Laboratories
Puppy Sponsor: John LeBlanc, who chose to sponsor and name Harley because, in his words, “I have a passion for National Service Dogs and Harley Davidson Motorcycles.”
Volunteer Team: Pat & Bruce Ireland, Tori Koller, Hillary Carter & Darren Foubister, Deb Fowler, Famke Alberts, John & Diane Boyes
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.
Harley's Updates
January 2023
Harley is a fun and quirky puppy with a big love for food! She is currently working on settling in her crate, learning what a leash and her other gear are as well as a bunch of basic cues. She catches on so quickly and is making amazing progress so far!
June 2023
Harley is working on new skills like up-up, off and working with other handlers. She continues to work on all the skills she has learned up to this point in grade school with added distractions as well.
August 2023
Harley is a smart puppy who has been working on learning skills like spin, touch and settling. She is very gentle and elegant and loves to say hi to everyone in the morning. Recently, she has gone swimming a couple of times and while she doesn’t love swimming she does love to wade and is an adventurous dog.
November 2023
Harley is a happy girl who loves to weave around everyone’s legs in excitement. Recently she has become much better at settling in unfamiliar situations and staying quiet. Her recall has also greatly improved from all distances. She is a sweet dog who loves to play fetch and race around the backyard whenever given the chance. Her favourite types of sticks are definitely birch. She is currently working on her spin and not getting to dizzy.
April 2024
Harley is a friendly, sociable, chill puppy. She loves being with you wherever you are in the house and particularly enjoys lying on your feet. Harley is working on her loose leash walking skills and is responding very well to positive reinforcement and treats. She loves the outdoors; walking, hiking, and strolling through streams.
October 2024
I got a job! My time as a “puppy in training” has come to an end and I found the perfect career path as part of NSD’s breeding program. I was chosen as a breeder due to my high potential to be an excellent Service Dog, high desire to work, even temperament, clean bill of health, and absence of common hereditary conditions. I will now play one of the most important roles at NSD - helping to provide future life changers.
May 2025
Unfortunately, NSD had to make the difficult decision to remove Harley from our breeding program due to a genetic eye concern. Medical professionals have deemed her still suitable for service work. Harley will now be joining the next round of advanced training. She is working on settling into her new routine with an adult raiser.
October 2025
Harley has been embracing her calm, steady nature in training. She’s eager to work each day and is excited for the chance to make a life-changing impact.
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.