dogs in training
NSD Hiero
Hiero 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.
Woof! Woof!
(Hello!)
Breed: Lab x Golden Retriever
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: October 3, 2022
Sire: SSD Tico
Dam: CPL Fausta
Litter: H Litter
Breeder Sponsor: Wellington Laboratories
Puppy Sponsor: Friends & community partners at Dogtopia Newmarket. Hiero (Pronounced hero) is Irish in origin, meaning ‘name of a saint’
Volunteer Team: Pat & Bruce Ireland, Ina Wilhelm
Fund My TrainingSponser Future NSD Puppies
Help Our Service Dogs Change Lives
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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.
Hiero's Updates
January 2023
Hiero can be very calm or very playful or very cuddly. He is just the sweetest puppy. He quickly learns new cues and enjoys practicing the ones he already knows. His outdoor loose-leash walking is progressing well. It is fun to watch him grow and learn and enjoy new experiences with confidence.
June 2023
Hiero is working on new skills like up-up, off and working with other handlers. He continues to work on all the skills he has learned up to this point in grade school with added distractions as well.
August 2023
Hiero is a cheerful, fun-loving, yet very calm 10-month old who has recently learned that he loves to swim. He is happy in any situation, be it out in jacket, on a long car ride, enjoying the great outdoors, playing with his favourite toy or just relaxing or napping. He is a quick learner, loved by all who meet him, but despite his natural curiosity, he would always rather be near his people.
November 2023
Oh my, what a cuddly dog Hiero has become! He is so sweet as he continues to grow and mature. His interest in exploring this world and all its sights and sounds has taken on a new dimension now that he is in his teenage phase. He loves the beach! Hiero is 100% ready to get down to business when out in public in jacket and impresses everyone he meets. He is an eager learner and is wonderfully well mannered around the home. It is such an honour to be his raiser.
January 2024
Hiero is continuing to work on his skills and manners. He has successfully mastered so many cues and has excellent manners around the house. He is affectionate, playful, and just an overall sweet personality. He enjoys playing with his doggie friends, munching on his doggie chews and spending time with his people. A very enjoyable and fun little fellow who is always keen to practice all the skills that he has learned.
April 2024
Hiero continues to develop a wonderful curiosity of the world around him. Hiking in nature is a super sniffing opportunity and it is so much fun to watch him continue to grow and learn. He is at the point where he is very solid in his required cues and is learning the value of settling quietly. Jacket time is one of his favourite activities. He has spent innumerable hours watching Waterloo Minor Hockey and has become an honorary Waterloo Wolf complete with bandana. Such a fantastic companion no matter where he is!
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.