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Health & Fitness

Abby Kennels Raises A Service Dog

Abby Kennels of Chelmsford (abbykennels.com) explains the traits needed in service dogs. Follow us on Twitter @dogmankevin for more dog information.

Mia zur Binderburg is a beautiful two year old sable German Shepherd.  Her brother Vlad is black with touches of sable and stunning eyes.  Both dogs are friendly, social, intelligent and have gentle, stable temperaments.  Both dogs are trained by Kevin Lanouette, the owner of Abby Kennels.  Both dogs are working dogs, living with families.  But Vlad was chosen to perform a special job that Mia could never do.

While other dogs may be called on to perform difficult, sometimes dangerous, jobs, a service dog performs a job like no other.   People typically focus on the physical jobs that service dogs perform but dogs can be trained to do everything from soothing an autistic child to alerting diabetics that their blood sugar levels are dangerously dropping.  The handler of a service dog shares a special dependency with his dog that is often life-changing.  It takes a very special dog to fill that role.

All service dogs share some basic characteristics.  They must be friendly and easygoing.  They must be able to tolerate loud noises and sometimes the constant beeping or flashing lights of medical equipment.  They must be able to work on any surface; walk calmly no matter what the distraction; adapt to new people and situations quickly; enjoy new experiences ….  Service dogs must be in great physical health, develop stamina for working, not exhibit any behavior patterns that would interfere with their job and love the work.  Well trained, well socialized pets possess some of these qualities.  They might even possess all of these qualities but it doesn’t mean they’ll survive the rigors of service dog training.

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On the surface, both Vlad and Mia possess all the necessary attributes for a life as a service dog.  Yet Vlad was chosen for this special job and Mia wasn’t.  Why?  Mia is a hair more driven than Vlad but that hair makes all the difference.  Vlad can settle down quickly, Mia needs a minute (or two or three) and a sterner command.  While obedient, Mia possesses a slight swagger that makes her a little harder to handle.  Mia will serve and obey but is not always happy about it.  Vlad wants to work and loves to serve.   Vlad will silence on command while Mia always needs the last word.  Of course we think Mia is a great dog just the way she is!  She just isn’t service dog material.

The Graziosi family was searching for a service dog for their young son.  Bringing their extended family and friends along to make sure Vlad could adapt to a busy chaotic life, the Graziosis arrived at Abby Kennels on a bright, cold winter day.  It was love at first sight!  A home visit to meet Princess, their cat, sealed the deal.  Their search was over but the real work is just beginning.

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Congratulations to the Graziosis, who recently added Vlad to their family!

 

Like us on Facebook   (http://www.facebook.com/AbbyKennels) and follow us on Twitter (@dogmankevin).

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