Payson Wonder Dogs

08/16/2024

08/09/2024

07/24/2024

07/18/2024

Did you know that Leader Dog not only has volunteers who work with dogs, we also have volunteers that do all sorts of administrative tasks? One of which is making materials accessible to our clients. Our AMC (accessible material center) volunteers help the team in turning 4-color, regular print documents into large print, braille and even audio! Claire and Jay come in every Wednesday morning to see what’s needed and help out with other tasks like laminating and binding. Making materials accessible is a high priority for Leader Dog.

Claire started volunteering in 2011 as a puppy raiser. She moved to her current, on-campus volunteer role in the AMC in 2012. “I enjoy volunteering at LDB because I feel the organization really makes a difference in the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired and it is great to be a part of that. I enjoy working with the other volunteers and the staff is always friendly and appreciative of the work I do to help out. And seeing puppies, dogs in training, and staff pets is a huge plus!”

Jay is newer to Leader Dog, having been volunteering for two years. He’s great at trouble-shooting problems we run into with the braille printer and tech issues. Jay notes “I like volunteering because I enjoy working with people here and I like the satisfaction of completing the tasks we are assigned. It also helps get me out of the house and gives me something constructive to do.”

Besides Jay and Claire, we have a volunteer, Janet, who used to work in the AMC, but she moved up north. However, she still helps as needed with reading our newsletter, Update, to record in audio for clients wishing to listen to it on CD. Janet is also a great sounding board if we run into issues or need anything done that she can manage from home. Janet has also raised multiple puppies for Leader Dog.

We love our AMC volunteers! Thank you!

Photo description: Two individuals engaged in office tasks; the first person is using a brailing machine in a storage area while the second person, smiling, organizes documents beside a filing cabinet.

07/17/2024

This month we are welcoming 8 more Lions Clubs International into the Leader Dogs for the Blind Top Dog Clubs!

These clubs have given $5,000 or more in one fiscal year to Leader Dog, making an impact in our clients lives and helping them to be unstoppable!

Welcome to the club:
Beverly Hills, MI Lions Club
Pearland Lions Club
Sugar Land Lions Club
Romeo Lions
Francis Scott Key Lions Club
Wixom Walled Lake Lions Club
Hickory Lions Club
Barnesville Lions

Photo description: Two individuals walking with a guide dog on a snow-lined street next to a white building with a bright yellow window frame. Above them is a blue banner with text "Welcome to the Top Dog Club" and lists the names of various Lions Clubs: Beverly Hills Lions Club, Francis Scott Key Lions Club, Pearland Lions Club, Wixcom Walled Lake Lions Club, Sugar Land Lions Club, Romeo Lions Club, and Hickoryville Lions Club. The logo of "Leader Dogs for the Blind" and the Lions Club International are visible at the bottom.

07/17/2024

07/14/2024

Solid, sturdy, and lushly coated Cru and Dadigan spend multiple monthly sessions with Roxy Responders. These therapy dog teams regularly greet cancer and recovering stroke patients, listens to students read at Buckingham Elementary School, and gives solace to children at family district court.

07/13/2024

Down is one of the most basic and useful behaviors to teach your puppy. Here's how to teach your dog to lie down on command.

07/10/2024

Every journey starts with a single step... or in this case, a bath! Here's our on-campus puppy raiser, Cayla, prepping this adorable lab/golden mix for his big adventure. Litters of puppies are returned to Leader Dog between 7-8 weeks of age. They are checked by one of our staff veterinarians and given their first set of vaccines. They stay on campus for two weeks, then go out with their puppy raiser.

Photo description: A person in a black t-shirt and green pants bathing a light-colored puppy in a stainless steel utility sink at a grooming facility. Various pet grooming tools are visible on the side. The person is gently holding the puppy's chin, and both look at each other, conveying a moment of care.

07/04/2024

As part of the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, there are 10 essential skills that every dog should master. Learn more about the test items.

06/28/2024

06/25/2024

As we celebrate DeafBlind Awareness Week, it's important to recognize the unique challenges faced by individuals who are both deaf and blind.

At Leader Dog, we've been providing specialized guide dog training since 1992, using American Sign Language as the primary communication method. Leader Dog is one of only two guide dog organizations in the U.S. to offer American Sign Language as an instructional communication method.

Our specialized training focuses on developing a strong physical bond between dog and handler, ensuring a seamless partnership. Through positive reinforcement and physical cues, these remarkable dogs learn to navigate the world without relying on vocal commands, opening up a world of independence and confidence for their handlers.

Photo description: A man wearing a black Leader Dog polo and with his left hand is holding onto the right hand of a woman with long brown hair wearing a black long sleeve shirt standing in front of the man. Their hands are up in front of their faces and they are mid conversation. The background has a parking lot on the right and the street on the left.

06/20/2024

06/19/2024

When a dog in training doesn't quite meet the criteria to become a guide dog, they may be given the opportunity to become a canine ambassador. These remarkable dogs serve as excellent representatives of Leader Dog, attending events, meet-and-greets, and assisting with blindfold walks for various groups.

One such canine ambassador is Finley, who recently retired after an exceptional career. Since 2019, Finley has participated in countless meet-and-greets and provided blindfold walk experiences to hundreds of individuals. Throughout her tenure, she played a vital role in raising millions of dollars for Leader Dog and raising awareness about our mission among the public, Lions clubs, and potential clients.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Finley for her invaluable contributions over the past five years and wish her a well-deserved, relaxing retirement.

Photo description: A yellow Labrador retriever wearing a green Leader Dog Ambassador jacket while sitting down in front of a white backdrop with the Leader Dog logos on it.

06/13/2024

While it's difficult to train an unenthusiastic dog, it can be equally tricky to work with a dog that's bouncing off the walls with excitement. Here's why.

06/11/2024

From teaching your dog basic obedience to advanced training for dog sports, a great dog trainer can make all the difference.

06/06/2024

Do you dread taking your dog for a walk because they lunge at other dogs, other people, or objects like cars? Here's why they do it, and how to help.

05/31/2024

Calling All Runners!

Don't miss your chance to join the Leader Dogs for the Blind Bark & Brew 5K/1-Mile presented by Chief Financial CU. This event is capped at 800 participants, so register TODAY before prices go up on June 1st!

Explore the beautiful Clinton River Trail and Bloomer Park in Rochester, MI, while supporting Leader Dog.

Your registration includes:
- Free entry to the Bark & Brew event at Rochester Mills Beer Co.
- Race t-shirt, mug medal, bib, and pint glass
- Coupon for a free beverage at the Bark & Brew event

Only service animals allowed on the 5K course, but puppy raisers and breeding hosts can join the 1-Mile with their Future Leader Dogs.

Register now here: https://leaderdogs.enmotive.com/events/register/2024-bark-brew-5k-presented-by-chief-financial-credit-union

Photo description: A close up of the medal you get for registering for the event. The ribbon has the Bark & Brew 5k Logo over yellow color on the outside, with the Leader Dogs for the Blind logo over teal color on the inside. The medal is in the shape of a mug of beer with the Bark & Brew 5k logo on the glass and a pawprint in the beer foam.

05/31/2024

Focus on making the basics perfect. That is the mantra. I repeat in my head when it comes to dog training as well as everything else in life. We spent too much time looking at exploring difficult things without first perfecting the basics.

The focused heel is the basic of basics in dog training. It is also my very favorite exercise, the one I find the most beautiful, the most poetic, and the one that symbolizes the relationship between the handler and the dog. It is the one exercise you can do with a young puppy, while teaching him, and with a very old dog. It is the glue that cement the relationship Between the dog and human.

In my opinion, it takes forever to perfect this exercise and it is a skill you work on forever. Good thing I like doing it. 😆

So grateful to have Schmuley in my life. He is truly a godsend because he is infusing, joy, and fun back into my days. I love all of my dogs, and Shmuley is such a welcomed addition.



Grateful for the coaching of and

Thank you to Janet Caroline Brown for the awesome pic

05/30/2024

05/23/2024

Incorporate duration, distance, and distraction into your training to ensure your dog understands what you’re asking them to do.

05/23/2024

The AKC Canine Good Citizen test isn't just another title to add to your dog's collection. It also helps build crucial life and obedience skills.

05/18/2024