Southwest Service Dogs offers programs that allow children (Student Trainers) ages 9-17 to assist with training the dogs. Student Trainers learn patience and consistency as well as how to be a trusted leader for their service dog in training. Our positive training methods teach children how to motivate and work with others in a positive manner.
Our after-school and camp programs give youth ages 9-17 the opportunity to be responsible for another living being. These Student Trainers are taught to motivate and follow-through on tasks with their assigned dog. They are responsible for not only their own, but also for the dog’s interactions. They work with clients on our waiting list, which teaches them to respect people with differing abilities and learn how service dogs can mitigate disabilities. The Student Trainers are also taught how to explain to people why they are bringing these dogs into public venues and how important it is to the training process.
Our training techniques are reward-based and positive motivational techniques, which student trainers can also apply to their social interaction with family, friends and others. Many of these children participate in our educational presentations to the general public and civic organizations as well as schools and churches. We have held camps and school programs in Little Rock, Russellville, Mayflower and Fort Smith, AR.
Our Student Trainer Leadership program is an advanced version of the after-school and camp programs. Student Trainers who show the aptitude and initiative are given the opportunity to assist in training other students in our after-school and summer camps. They can give presentations to the general public, having responsibility for the content of the verbal presentations as well as organizing and presenting the tasks for the dogs to demonstrate. These students may also have the additional responsibility of taking our service dogs in training to school with them, furthering the dog’s training and educating the school system as well.
We have designed innovative programs that utilize the skills of our service dogs to help children with their reading skills, and also a program to help children cope with stressful situations such as loss or abuse. Funding will allow us to implement these valuable programs.
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