dogs in training
VIP Mila
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 VIP (Very Important Pet)
Woof! Woof!
(Hello!)
Breed: Lab x Golden Retriever
Gender: Female
Date of Birth: April 26, 2023
Sire: SSD Tico
Dam: NSD Luna
Litter: M Litter
Puppy Sponsor: Dogtopia of Royal Windsor
Volunteer Team: Dave Clarke, Suzy Patchett
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.
Mila's Updates
July 2023
It’s hard to believe Mila has been in our home for a month already! She has grown and learned so much since she arrived. She loves to show off her “sit” and “down” for treats, and she’s starting to work on her loose leash walking as well. She is cuddly, sweet, and attentive, and she adores her human and animal roommates already.
October 2023
Mila is really growing in to her personality. She’s very clever and very sweet, but also a bit spunky. Mila has been working hard on her loose leash walking as well as all her basic commands. She’s done a great job so far in jacket out in public, and she is showing so much potential as she grows!
January 2024
Mila is growing up to be a confident and clever dog. She started puppy high school recently and has been working on more advanced skills like “chin” and becoming more comfortable out in public. When she’s not working hard at learning new skills, she’s been having lots of fun playing outside in the snow. Mila is currently on a two-week puppy swap with another raiser, where she is successfully adjusting to a new environment.
April 2024
Mila is a sweet, cuddly, young dog with a feisty personality. She loves to play, with other dogs and people, and she also loves to learn! She is working on her impulse control and manners at home, and practicing her ability to relax when she wants to always be on the go!
October 2024
Now that I am a Very Important Pet, my job is to provide love and support to my forever family. Life as a working dog was a little too much for me, but this feels like the perfect fit! I was adopted by a close member of the NSD community and have settled into VIP life beautifully. 'Mila has been doing really well in her life as a pet! She loves being allowed on all the furniture and getting lots of cuddles and attention, and has been especially enjoying going for walks together with Reilly.'
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.