Program Standards

The health and welfare of the Can Do Canines in training is our primary concern. Please help us by following these simple standards.

• If a program dog becomes lost, sick, or injured, call 763-331-3000 immediately.
• Report any ingestion of foreign bodies.
• Make sure every program dog's collar has a red, bone-shaped ID tag and that the collar is on them at all times when outside their kennel.
• Program dogs are allowed off leash in secure, fenced-in areas only and must be supervised at all times when outside.
• Program dogs are not allowed to visit dog parks, zoos, or fireworks displays. They should not visit pet stores until fully vaccinated.
• Please do not take program dogs on escalators or moving carpets.
• Program dogs should not be taken jogging or running until they are over a year old.
• Never leave program dogs in a vehicle unattended.
• Only transport program dogs in the back seats or cargo areas, never in the front seat.
• Be sure to always supervise children and program dogs when they are together.
• Program dogs should only interact with healthy animals, vetted for good behavior by Home Visit Volunteers or Puppy Program staff.

It's important that program dogs view crate time as positive and safe. Always reward crating, and never use it as a punishment. It's OK to crate a dog if you need a break though!

• Always crate program dogs if you cannot directly supervise them.
• Remember to lock the crate door.
• Crates may be in the primary handler's bedroom or in the main areas of your home.
• Please ensure that the crate is empty prior to crating a program dog, aside from approved toys.
• Program dogs may be crated with Kongs and inedible Nylabones.
• Ensure that the collar is removed prior to crating the dog at home.
• Please do not allow program dogs to share crates or allow other pets or people to enter their crates.
• Program dogs must be crated while riding in vehicles until they surpass 25 pounds.
• When the dog is crated in the car, keep the collar on in case of an emergency; remove all other equipment.

The most valuable lessons that our volunteer homes can provide happen in the home. These manners are basic but critical for the success of the dogs.

• Four on the Floor: no jumping on people or furniture or placing feet on counters.
• Program dogs should work for their kibble. They get no human food, aside from Xylitol-free peanut butter or plain yogurt.
• Nylabones may be used without supervision. Make sure to watch program dogs closely when playing with other toys.
• Interrupt behaviors such as stealing or playing with non-toy items.

Our volunteers receive special training to work program dogs in public. Contact Puppy Program if you are interested in learning more about Public Access Training.

• Only approved Puppy Program volunteers may handle program dogs.
• Primary handlers must be 16 years of age or older.
• Always maintain the leash when in public or outside.
• Please do not allow greetings when the dog is on leash or in cape.
• Do not take any dog in public unless you have had them for more than one week and have Public Access Training. This will allow you to build a relationship with the dog.