Welcome Widget

Nearly all service dogs and assistance dogs from accredited programs start out being puppy-raised with volunteers until they are between 12 and 18 months old. A puppy-raiser is responsible for teaching puppy manners and obedience (through daily practice and weekly classes), socializing them to numerous locations and situations, maintaining their health, and communicating regularly with the organization to ensure the puppy’s needs are being met.

Mac was puppy-raised by a woman named Meaghan and her son in Seattle. They played a significant role in preparing him for his advanced and graduate training to become a courthouse facility dog through Assistance Dogs Northwest. Because of Meaghan, Mac’s primary handler, Julie, became inspired to become a puppy-raiser too. She is now raising her third puppy, a little girl, Widget, for Canine Companions. Widget is an eight-week-old Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever cross. She is already in training, working on housetraining, recognizing her name, learning to sit, and avoiding developing bad habits (jumping on people, putting her teeth on people, and biting the leash) that would have to be corrected later.

Having a fully-trained assistance dog like Mac helps a lot. Dogs undeniably learn from each other, and puppies especially learn from the adult dogs around them. Mac can demonstrate appropriate assistance dog behavior for Widget to copy. The behavior is then reinforced, which allows for increased support within the processes and procedures conducted through Juliette’s House! It’s a lot of work, especially when the puppies are young, but it’s so rewarding to have a part in the life of a dog that will go on to have such an impact on the lives of others and our organization! Canine Companions places dogs with children, adults, and veterans with disabilities as well as with professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice, and educational settings.