I am so very grateful for the outside certification program at Canine Support Teams, because I…read morevalue the ADI standard, the ability to build a strong relationship with my Service Dog from puppyhood, and the respectful, kind, and thoughtful communication style CST employs. My journey in training Emmy for my second Mobility Service Dog began when she was eight weeks old. She arrived from a breeder who places 40-50% of their puppies into Service Dog roles, and prior to seeking ADI, I had training support from multiple sources including my experience from working with my first Mobility Service Dog.
From the very beginning with Emmy, I wanted to achieve the ADI standard and acquire certification for international travel. But finding an ADI where I felt supported and nurtured in my goals and training style proved to be more difficult than I could have ever imagined. Initially, Emmy and I joined another ADI program that ultimately proved to be out of alignment with our goals and training style.
In spite of that disappointment, I did not give up my dream of achieving ADI, and in time, discovered Canine Support Teams' program. I was forthcoming about our previous ADI experience and commitment to a 100% reward-based training style. I was excited to meet them, but privately, I was still finding it difficult to trust another organization with our energy, money, and time.
Thankfully, I quickly realized during our first meeting that the people at CST is what makes their program so very special. From the initial conversation with me and formal temperament test they performed with Emmy, to our base-line PAT at the local pet supply, their sincere kindness was apparent, and I felt my tension and uncertainty ease into the knowing that I had found a safe place to grow with my dog. On entry to the program, I received a structured, yet personalized, six-month training plan. I greatly appreciated the formality and structure, because unlike our first ADI experience, Canine Support Teams' professionalism was apparent in every aspect of their behavior and program.
We were paired with Genevieve as our lead trainer, and throughout our program, I was continually impressed by Genevieve's mindfulness and care to maintain a safe space for Emmy and me to continue to grow. The compassion, thoughtfulness, and talent with which she approached our sessions really blew me away. Her kindness and understanding of my specific task needs for Emmy as well as her commitment to a reward-based training style with Emmy made me feel super supported. In short, we felt not only seen and heard, but respected and honored.
We also had the opportunity to work with two other CST trainers: Helena and Da'Von each brought something magical to our success. During our program, we had multiple opportunities to work around other teams with various disabilities, working roles, and training styles as well as dogs of multiple different breeds and experience levels. With everyone's help, Emmy and I exceeded our goals. Today, we are such a polished team - and I very much enjoy the experience of being out with Emmy doing our thing with the confidence that comes from being supported by a solid program that is committed to sincere and mindful communication and guidance.
