Puppy George is a six-month-old Labrador, golden retriever mix with bright eyes and long ears that wakes up with a mission to serve. At just a few days old, George began his education to prepare for his role of a lifetime through sensory experiences and socialization.
In the early weeks, he was already embarked on “puppy preschool” to sounds, scents, surfaces, and everyday objects. Preschool was a piece of cake for George, but things got complicated when he advanced to kindergarten at six weeks old.
George had to think quickly on his paws to engage in problem-solving exercises and multi-sensory play. He headed to a volunteer puppy raiser home around nine weeks old. After leaving the Puppy Academy, Puppy George was placed in the house of volunteer puppy raiser Linda Hunter.
Hunter took George home before placement in Plant City, Fla to determine whether it was suitable. He was with two other dogs, cows, horses, and a large strawberry field next to her home. It was a perfect space for George to begin his year-long training.
George is now learning to behave in new environments, including walking up the stairs, riding elevators, and displaying appropriate behavior. George is getting the hang of separating home and work.
While training, George has also received support from two other canine mentors, Bob and Sport. It has been crucial for George to set a routine when introduced to a new cue. With their assistance, George will equip for his next stage of training.
Now three months, George has showcased a focused and eager-to-learn attitude in the second stage of his training. After entering Canine University at the Southeastern Guide Dogs campus, Puppy George will stay with Hunter for the first year to a year and a half of his life. George will be in his forever home with people with vision loss, veterans, or children with significant challenges after graduation.
George still has a long way to go in his training and will be checked back in a few months to see how his training has progressed.
If anyone of you is interested to get a service dog, check out Southeastern Guide Dogs.
