Maggie is a happy 3-year-old Lab/mix who loves people. She is energetic, enjoys water, playing fetch, and knows how to sit. She is looking for an active home without cats or chickens because she isn’t a fan of either.
Provided to the LVN
Dear reader, the recent book “Puppy Kindergarten” written by Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods caught my eye because the cover featured two adorable Labrador pups. Puppy kindergarten began in 2018 at Duke University with the goal of developing a model that predicts which animals will make good service dogs.
The reason this is important is the ongoing need for service, detection and therapy dogs. It takes a certain temperament, months of training, and specific cognitive skills to prepare a pup for work. However, not every pup is suited for jobs and there is no way to predict which dogs will be successful workers. According to the American Kennel Club service dog training can run $25,000 or more and the waiting list for a dog spans years.
This research hopes to pinpoint the traits that are specific to the type of job a pup can perform. The most important thing is that the pup enjoys and loves his job. Knowing what skill set a pup has will allow the trainer to find a great fit. There are three different categories of jobs, service or assistance, detection or search, and therapy dogs.
Service dogs help physically or mentally disabled people and have a one-on-one relationship with their person. Detection dogs locate explosives, drugs and cadavers; they have handlers but also act independently. Both service and detection dogs have rigorous training. Therapy dogs who offer comfort and support don’t require formal training.
Because traits necessary for training emerge between the ages of 8 to 16 weeks puppy kindergarten begins at eight weeks old. At eight weeks, puppies can read hand gestures like pointing but they can only remember for a short time. By 10 weeks, they gain more self-control and by 13 to 14 weeks, they are able to use previously learned behavior and apply it to new situations. Pups attend until they reach 20 weeks.
Games and tasks help researchers understand how they solve problems. In one task, the pup is challenged to open a container holding a treat. If the pup persists at getting it open, chances are she would make an excellent detection dog. If the pup looks for help from a person, she would probably be a candidate for service or therapy dog.
To quote Dr. Hare, “Never has scientific research been so adorable.”
ATTENTION
Adoption forms are now available online at our website www.capsnevada.com.
IN NEED OF
• Volunteers to walk dogs or play with cats. Call 775-423-7500 for details.
• Funds toward the new heating system that we recently had to install to replace the ancient boiler. Any amount is helpful.
• Aluminum cans. Please drop them off at CAPS. We are temporarily unable to pick them up.
SHOUT OUT TO
• Tieris Williams for organizing the doggie fashion show. A Four-Paw-Salute to you!
• To everyone who supported the fashion show. You are Pawsome!
• Mavis, Pauline, and Diane for your dedication to our guests. Pooch smooches to you!
COME SEE US
CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.
DON’T FORGET
• November Holiday: Adopt a Senior Pet Month! We have excellent senior pups.
• Board meetings. We meet once a month on the second Tuesday, at 5:30 p.m., in room 201 at the county offices on Taylor Street.
• If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.
• CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.
Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.