A day in the life of a dog in final training at Can Do Canines is anything but boring. The power of routine, combined with the care and attention of our dedicated kennel staff and trainers, lays the groundwork for an environment of learning, safety, and, of course, fun!
Planning for a dog’s move into the kennel begins weeks in advance. The team reviews feedback forms from volunteer handlers. Kennel Manager Katie Rickert shares, “It's very important information for us to view how they live in a home. How do they live with other dogs? Do they prefer to eat at a certain time? If they don't eat at a certain time, will they get sick? How are they with toys? What kind of toys do they prefer?” These details help cater to their time in the kennel and offer insights into who will make a good roommate and play-group partner. The kennel staff pays careful attention to each dog's personality and rearranges dog combinations until the perfect matches are made.
On a typical day, the kennel team lets the dogs out for their first outdoor break with their roommate, feeds them breakfast, and then allows them to play in the yards. The rest of the dog’s day includes working one-on-one with a program trainer on cues or practicing skills in public at a local business. Dog-exerciser volunteers give each dog a daily walk. Finally, the day concludes with dinner and more playtime outside before bed.
Play is an integral part of the dogs’ routine, and thanks to the generosity of donors like you, we were able to make significant fencing improvements recently to our outdoor play yards. Assistant Kennel Manager Sam Quiel shared, “Now that the fences are fixed—they're lower to the ground—our dogs can't attempt to get out. And that right there is just so much peace of mind for the kennel staff.”
The rigorous kennel cleaning protocol we maintain earned us high marks from our Assistance Dogs International auditor, who shared, “The kennel facility is state of the art and exceeds all ADI standards.” We vacuum and thoroughly scrub the floors daily, clean food dishes after every use, and sanitize toys at least once a week.
To stay on top of the dog’s health, weekly wellness checks take place every Monday. These toe-to-tail examinations help the team note any health concerns or grooming needs. “When you're raising 30 dogs, someone's bound to have something medical going on. And if we're not checking them regularly, we're going to miss something,” Sam noted.
Despite calm, classical music playing, a kennel environment might be stressful for some dogs in the program. If the team notices that a dog is overstimulated, they will take it aside for some extra decompression time, customized to its unique needs. One dog might want to snuggle one-on-one, while another dog may need a quiet space to work on a food puzzle.
The final training phase at Can Do Canines is meticulously designed to ensure that each dog thrives in a supportive and enriching environment. The dedication of the kennel staff and trainers, blended with careful attention to the individual needs of each dog, fosters not only skill development but also emotional well-being. As we continue to enhance our facilities and protocols, we remain committed to providing the best possible care for these remarkable dogs, preparing them for their future roles. With each wagging tail and joyful romp in the yard, we are reminded of the essential bond between humans and dogs, one that grows stronger through love, patience, and teamwork.
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