Payson Wonder Dogs

01/27/2025

While the Detroit Lions aren't Super Bowl bound this season, their namesakes are still out there working hard! Future Leader Dog Gibbs is still practicing his obedience skills before heading to the Leader Dogs for the Blind campus to complete his guide dog training and hopefully be matched with a client!

Gibbs is being raised as part of our Prison Puppies initiative. This program is proven to be a win, win, win project all around: inmates have the opportunity to develop responsibility and positive personal skills by raising a Future Leader Dog, we have a consistent pipeline of well-trained dogs primed to begin their formal instruction and Leader Dog’s clients receive exceptional canine partners who help them live more independent and fulfilling lives. What an excellent opportunity for all involved!

Read more about the Prison Puppies initiative here: https://bit.ly/42q8c3s

Photo Description: A black Labrador retriever is sitting in the snow, posing for the camera. He is wearing a collar, leash and a vest that says "Future Leader Dog" on it.

01/16/2025

Legally blind Jill Dempsey was housebound until her world opened up when she was paired with her beloved guide dog, ACE award winner, Kissable Katie.

01/03/2025

Check out Graduation Support 2024 by Canine Support Teams, Inc.!

12/24/2024

12/12/2024

11/30/2024

PLAY… the number one tool for shaping a dog. I love teaching my through play and rewarding with toys. I start with food and quickly move to play as a lure and reward. I think dogs learn quickly and enjoy the process this way. A happy, engaged dog is a fun dog to train. I also play more than training. In a session I believe more than 1/2 of my interaction should be games and reward. A happy attitude and tons of reward will build a dog that loves to train … and a dog that loves to train is more likely to learn.

Photo by: Janet ❤️

11/23/2024

Check out Wag and Walk-Match my Miles by Canine Support Teams, Inc.!

11/14/2024

Walking two dogs at once can be easier with a double dog leash, but they aren't suitable for all dogs depending on their training and behavior.

11/09/2024

Does your dog struggle with grooming or vet visits? Here at Leader Dog, we have tips and tricks to help you with your dog's hygiene routine!

The Fear Free Handling approach helps reduce stress in pets through positive reinforcement. Here are three top ways to apply positive reinforcement:

*Break down tasks into smaller steps
For example, when cutting nails, touch the paws, then treat. Show the clippers, then treat. Introduce the tools and where you will use them with good positive reinforcement words.

*Provide a positive distraction
Utilize a treat mat or high-reward treats to make an experience like nail trims fun and exciting for your dog.

*Always end on a positive note
You do not have to clip all paws at once. If your dog is getting antsy, save the rest of the nails for another day. Slowly introduce your dog to the routine without becoming too stressed.

For more information or tips, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3yzGEwc

Photo Description: A Leader Dogs for the Blind employee in a black shirt is grooming a happy Golden Retriever with a green brush in a hallway.

11/08/2024

Our Leader Dog moms are not only nurturing to their litters of Future Leader Dogs, but they also get to enjoy training to be the best dogs they can be! Some even achieve titles like American Kennel Club Fit Dog training, excelling in fitness and physical health. What a treat to see our Leader Dog moms setting a great example for their litters!

Have you considered hosting a Leader Dog mom? Check out some more information at the following link! https://www.leaderdog.org/volunteer/host-a-breeding-dog/

Photo Description: A Leader Dogs for the Blind volunteer smiles as she holds a treat over the nose of a black Labrador retriever. The dog is sitting back on her hind legs, eager to hold her physique steady for the treat.

10/28/2024

The journey home from training is an exciting time. After three weeks at Leader Dog this marks the last step of transition for both the client and guide dog. While clients and their families can’t wait to bring their new companions home and introduce him to their new life as a Leader Dog, it is important to remember the following things to plan for success with your dog:

- Curiosity is an inborn nature for dogs and making your home secure for their arrival is the best thing to do.

- Make sure all garbage cans have lids or keep them behind cupboard doors

- Plan tie-down areas for you Leader Dog in your home.

- Plan a consistent “park” area for your Leader Dog.

Everyone that interacts with your Leader Dog must comply with the rules your dog is accustomed to. When you take time to ensure everyone is on the same page, your Leader Dog will be well behaved, well adjusted, and ready to take on anything.

Photo description: A Leader Dog client sits on a yellow blanket on the grass outside of an apartment building. Next to her is a black Labrador retriever, resting his head on her lap. She pets his head smiling. His Leader Dogs for the Blind harness is off and laid out on the other side of the woman.

10/22/2024

Also known as a cadaver dog, Fiji’s nose twitches, and her eyes fixate on the debris-strewn lake around her. She’s sniffing for victims trapped in the floodwater in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene left a 500-mile path of destruction from Florida to the Southern Appalachians.

10/15/2024

10/01/2024

09/22/2024

Cones are necessary for dogs after surgery, but they can cause a lot of distress. Teach your dog to tolerate wearing a cone in case the need arises.