This is the story of a dynamic dog who works in a specialization in which few dogs are qualified to serve.
Brady the yellow Labrador was trained for a long time to learn to perform some key tasks for his human companion. Brady works full time as both a therapy dog and a psychiatric service dog. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most common breeds trained for these dynamic dog roles, because they have the right combination of temperament and size.
Brady came from Kansas as a puppy, donated to Dr. Robert Forto, owner and director of Denver Dog Works. After several months of basic obedience, Brady stepped up a level for more advanced service dog training. He earned his Canine Good Citizen and gained the necessary public access he will need in his career. Now he was eager to be matched with a client who needed him, so he would receive even more specialized training.
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Dog trainer and animal behaviorist Dr. Robert Forto
A copy of a doctor’s letter arrived on Dr. Forto’s desk at Denver Dog Works. A Psychiatrist referred his patient to the training facility to be paired with a service dog. Dr. Forto considered the most qualified young dogs in his kennel for the unique nature of this work. One of them will become a valuable partner for a woman named Patty, who has a psychiatric condition, when she is unable to help herself. Patty is bi-polar, and will need a firm, loving assistant when she goes through the characteristic manic and depressive cycles.
Training service dogs is not quick and easy work. The particular needs in this case would make it still more challenging. Dr. Forto had two significant things in his favor as he prepared his training plan. Brady was a bright and willing student, and Patty loved Brady, and was enthusiastic about the prospect of having the dog’s support when she needed him.
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Brady with his new family: Patty and Bill
They covered lots of ground in almost a year of client-centered lessons at Denver Dog Works, in public settings and at Patty’s home. Her husband, Bill, was as excited and cooperative as she was, so the team began to develop the critical bonds that would assure their success. Brady graduated from his training and became Patty’s certified service dog in October, 2008.
Brady sometimes brings Patty her bottle of medication. He recognizes her behavior patterns, and helps her cope during depression. He “blocks” her when she slips into manic episodes. At these moments, the ninety pound retriever gently lays on his best friend, thus shielding her from harming herself.
Congratulations and best wishes to Brady, a hard-working DYNAMIC DOG!
DENVER DOG WORKS: “All of our trainers are certified and undergo routine educational seminars and courses to increase their knowledge of canine behavior and training. Of course all of our trainers have their specialties but all are comfortable in all aspects of canine care and pet dog training.”
If you are interested in raising a puppy for future service dog work, click the appropriate link in the box below.
Comments
I was in a fussy mood b/c of the publishing tool and now your story made me smile. Thanks! Most people are unaware of the different uses of service dogs. I know of a case where a woman uses the dog for an anxiety disorder where she was not able to leave her house for years and now she can. Thanks for keeping us all better informed.
---Mic
I am writing to you to give you my grandson, Jared, this wonderful information about using dogs for bi-polar needs, which he has. He is on medication. He loves our dog Teddy, mostly Boxer, but Teddy is not trained in the methods you use. He is 9 yrs.also, but a wonderful pet and he and Jared are bonded.
Thank you so much for your wonderful specialized canine training for Bi-Polar. Jeane Jaime, bobcjj@cox.net
Jeane, I am glad to hear the good news about your grandson Jared. Thank you very much for letting us know.
Gail
How sweet! I little dog that can provide support for a mentally ill woman! I wish I had one!
Specialized canine serves bi-polar partner
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