Can Do Canines

Assistance dog training servicesa. During 2023 we received 310 application requests for assistance dogs from people with disabilities. These individuals are attempting to live their lives independently. Due to the lack of funding for training assistance dogs, some of these individuals apply to more than one program or some struggle to pay significant fees to other organizations in order to get an assistance dog sooner.b. Each application we receive for an assistance dog is reviewed for complete content and then all potential clients are interviewed. During this interview, the potential client learns all that is involved with obtaining and working with their new partner and how much their life may change, both in the workplace and their home environment. This interview provides Can Do Canines with information on their environment, strengths, weaknesses, range of motion, lifestyle and expectations of the potential client.c. Once an applicant is accepted, trainers look for a dog that matches the client's lifestyle and personality in addition to meeting the needs of their new partner. Each dog is trained to accomplish the tasks needed for their particular client. Client services coordinators or contracted field representatives work with clients and their dogs for another six months in their home, work and/or school environment. Clients learn to provide for the dog's care and well-being, as well as techniques, skills and commands to use with their dog. The client will also learn techniques to expand the range of tasks if their disability changes. A certification evaluation will be completed when their training is completed. A video recording is made of the client/dog team working in their normal daily life. This material is reviewed for approval. Upon approval, the team receives their identification card and proceeds to the graduation event.d. During 2023 we had 54 dogs come in for training. We completed 148 new interviews with potential clients. We provided new placements, ongoing training support education, re certifications and supplemental training services to over 365 active clients during 2023.e. We obtained 53 dogs from our own breeding program. 10 dogs from private breeders and other sources and 8 dogs from ibc breeding cooperative. F. some of our canine trainees are not successful in their assistance dog training, but Can go on to serve in other ways. Whenever possible, we create opportunities for them to serve as working dogs with other agencies. Others become personal pets. During 2023, 23 dogs that entered our program were "career-changed."g. Can Do Canines maintained memos of understanding (mou) or contracts with eight (8) prison facilities in Minnesota and Wisconsin that agreed to support the goals of Can Do Canines to prepare dogs to enter assistance dog training. Can Do Canines agreed to provide regular professional instruction in dog training, as well as veterinary support and food for the dogs. The program involved 207 inmates who provided training for 190 dogs (71 of which were weaned in prison). These programs are a permanent part of the Can Do Canines training process. This program has produced tangible positive results for all participants; prison inmates, prison employees and administration, Can Do Canines training program, and Can Do Canines clients. Additionally, the community at large may benefit as national research indicates that the recidivism rate for inmates participating in similar programs has been 50% less than those who have not had this opportunity.annual follow-up surveys are sent to all active teams to ascertain if the team is still active, if the dog is healthy, and if the client needs any assistance with additional training or equipment provided by the organization. If additional training is necessary, a member of the training staff contacts the client to address their needs. Training staff also initiates contact with clients if there is a concern about the dog's behavior, health or weight.the annual surveys also ensure that the organization is providing adequate customer service to the client. In the year 2023, 99% of survey participants rated their service dog's level of training as excellent or good, 97% felt their dog was performing assistance dog tasks as excellent or well.

Puppy raising and dog acquisitiona. The puppy program included 257 dogs this year. These pups were either donated to or bred by Can Do Canines and raised by inmates or volunteers. A total of 54 dogs came into the kennels for final training.b. We had 226 volunteer foster homes and puppy raiser homes this year, with 166 being new in 2023. These volunteers are a very important part of our services. Puppies are placed with volunteer families at eight weeks of age for early socialization. This process is crucial for the puppy to reach its full potential as an adult. Puppy raisers work with our puppy program staff and trainers. They attend weekly training classes and public access outings during the time they are raising their puppy. This program will continue to play an important role in our future success.156 individuals completed an application to participate in the foster program. C. our volunteer puppy program volunteers provided an estimated 527,448 hours of housing, nurturing, loving, socializing and working with their puppies this year. These volunteers save Can Do Canines immeasurable dollars each year. For example, if our program were to pay just $3.00 per hour for the time spent raising these puppies, it would cost the agency $1,582,344 annually. Many of our puppy program volunteers are also volunteering to provide the general public with educational presentations about their life experiences training a puppy to become an assistance dog, which saves Can Do Canines additional money annually.d. In 2023, 13 litters produced 71 puppies for the puppy program. As part of our agreement with the ibc breeding cooperative and work with other organizations, 17 of these puppies were sent to other member organizations. These puppies will enter assistance dog training at approximately 18 months of age.e. Generous breeders donated 7 dogs and puppies to the puppy program this year. Other assistance dog organizations donated 2 dogs to the puppy program during 2023. The total value of these donations ranges from $27,000 to $54,000, as each puppy could have been sold for$1,500 to $3,000. These breeders and other organizations chose to make an in-kind contribution rather than profit from the sale of these dogs. We are very grateful!