dogs in training
NSD Walter
Walter is currently with his adult raiser. He is being taught a foundation of house manners and cues, for becoming a well-socialized part of the community. I am in advanced training at NSD University. I will train for almost five months and to ready to meet my new partner and forever family!
All of the training and care provided to each dog would not be possible without the support of generous volunteers and donors.
Woof! Woof!
(Hello!)
Breed: Labrador x Golden Retriever
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: January 26, 2024
Sire: PADS Goji
Dam: NSD Cori
Litter: Fastenal/ V Litter
Breeder Sponsor: Fastenal Canada
Puppy Sponsor: Fastenal Canada and named by their suppliers at WALTER SURFACE CANADA.
Volunteer Team: Sandra & Richard DeGraaf, Jordan Francis & Leah Shillington, Emily T.
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.
Walter's Updates
October 2024
I am now in high school classes! I’m really starting to get the hang of this service dog thing, so my puppy raiser takes me to lots of new and exciting places to practice. I am also learning new advanced skills such as 'back,' 'touch,' 'chin,' and stepping on the perch pot. In class, I practice stairs and different under-footings and work for new and different handlers. This is an important step in preparing me for the next phase of my training. At home, I am polishing up my manners around meal times, guests, and outdoor walks. Now that I have more impulse control, I get to have more freedom around the house and get to sleep out of my crate some nights.
December 2024
I am still in high school but excited to have a break from classes over the holidays. In the Spring 2025 I will be assessed by the NSD training team to see if I am ready to move on to NSD University or Companion College. The next steps will prepare me to complete my training to become a life-changing Service, Facility or Skilled Companion Dog. Thank you to everyone who supported my journey so far!
May 2025
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). My trainers have this to say about me: "Walter is showing great maturity during longer public access outings. He stays focused in busy environments and responds well to handler cues. His progress is right on track for advanced training which he will begin shortly".
October 2025
Walter continues to stand out with his quick learning and strong focus. He loves staying close to people and is always ready to get to work.
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.