dogs in training
NSD Idol
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 Skilled Companion Dog!
Woof! Woof!
(Hello!)
Breed: Lab x Golden Retriever
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: November 5, 2022
Sire: NSD Echo
Dam: NSD Euchre
Litter: I Litter
Puppy Sponsor: In honour of the TELUS Health Care Centres Team
Volunteer Team: Diane Petrella, Cassaundra LeBlanc, Jen Martin
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.
Idol's Updates
February 2023
NSD Idol is a loving, curious and quick learner who is always eager to please, making training sessions a fun and enjoyable experience for the both of us. He shows a strong desire to learn new skills, and is excellent at recall, sit, down, leave it, hurry up outside, going to his mat, in the kennel and waiting for his meals. Recently, Idol got his second vaccine and settled during a car ride, which is a big accomplishment! He is a joy to raise and brings a lot of happiness to our family. Follow Idol’s journey on Instagram at @nsd.idol
June 2023
This month, Idol has been working on his confidence around novel objects and new under footings. He is doing so well and continues to show his trainers that he can take on new challenges with ease.
September 2023
Idol is now in high school and will be working on new skills such as touch, chin, side, back up, step and stand. All of these skills form the basis for college & university.
December 2023
Idol continues to work on all his high school skills with added distractions. He is working hard on his home manners and cuddling skills to prepare him for his future career.
April 2024
We are excited to welcome Idol into Companion College this month!
October 2024
I found my forever family and my job as a Skilled Companion! As a Skilled Companion Dog, I will be supporting an individual living with a disability on a day-to-day basis within the home environment. I will provide emotional support, and daily structure as well as promote social interaction and language development. My trainers say I am calm, cuddly and have superb home manners, which makes me a perfect Skilled Companion Dog.
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.