dogs in training
NSD Jellybean
Jelly Bean is currently with her adult raiser. She 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: December 12, 2022
Sire: NSD Ranger
Dam: NSD Leia
Litter: J Litter
Breeder Sponsor: Fastenal Canada
Puppy Sponsor: The Gilva Family
Volunteer Team: Peggy & Warren Bennett, Sophia Reay, Todd & Erin Weinstein
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.
Jellybean's Updates
March 2023
Jelly Bean has learned so much in her two months with us. She’s confident and eager to work on new cues. She loves shoes of all styles, so teaching her the “wait” cue by the front door, has saved a few shoelaces 🙂 She settles nicely in her crate, is learning “leave it” and “drop”. She is full of mischief, but when her purple jacket goes on, she’s all business.
June 2023
Jelly Bean is as fun loving and bold now, as she was as a young puppy. She’s unfazed by loud noises and new experiences and is up for anything we ask of her. She loves to play, but when her jacket goes on, she becomes focused and serious. Jelly Bean is doing very well at staying on her mat until she is released and we are also working on keeping 4 paws on the floor. Sometimes her curiosity get’s the better of her.
August 2023
Jelly’s fun loving personality continues to entertain us. Her curious nature means that she’s up for any new experience – she approaches each one thoughtfully, then when she’s comfortable, dives in with full enthusiasm. She takes her training very seriously and is also a clown when the jacket comes off. Jelly is working on impulse control and settling on her mat when exciting things are going on around her.
November 2023
Jelly has shown great improvement on her settling skills at home and in busy public spaces. In jacket, she is able to remain polite around other dogs and people. We are working on calm meet and greets in public. Jelly loves new people and sometimes the wiggles take over and she forgets her manners. She still a very curious, fun loving puppy who works hard and plays hard.
April 2024
We are excited to welcome Jelly Bean into the Fall 2024 class of NSD University in June.
October 2024
I am finishing my advanced training at NSD University. I have trained for almost five months and I am almost ready to meet my new partner in November and graduate as a PTSD Service! I am now training at NSD University five days a week. I get to ride the ‘school bus’ there and work with my trainers all day on the skills I need to help my forever person! I have my own special spot where I get to relax while my classmates practice their skills. Some of the skills I learn include ‘visit’, ‘over’, ‘close’, ‘lap’, ‘nudge’, ‘front’, ‘back’, ‘suit up’ and how to go see others on cue. While at school I am also working on my loose leash walking, recall, and impulse control (especially around food).
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.