Meet our Dogs
Our dogs are trained using a positive reinforcement method known as “clicker training.” We are committed to using positive methods, which distinguishes this service dog program from most in the country. Positive training uses the animal behavior model of operant conditioning and relies on praise and treats and avoids the use of force to train dogs. Our style of training teaches a dog to think and try to problem solve. This method is much easier for a person with a disability to use compared to the old-fashioned force based techniques that require strength and mobility in order to apply a “correction”. The end result is a dog that is happy to work, willing to learn, and able to continue to learn new behaviors once he is placed with his life-long companion.
Service Dogs of Virginia currently raises and trains Labrador Retrievers, carefully selected and evaluated for health and temperament.
Dogs in Training
Cayman
Alice Scruby is raising her second puppy for SDV. Alice knew from a very young age that she wanted to train a service dog. Her dedication and passion is evident whenever she and Cayman enter a room. Cayman (who we sometimes call ‘Meat-head’) is a big gentle soul destined for greatness. He is totally laid back, easy to get along with, and tolerant of silly puppies and silly grown ups too.
Chamomile
Cousteau
Cousteau came from the Charlottesville SPCA, Quince from a Golden Retriever breeder, and both share a home with our Executive Director, Peggy Law. Cousteau is a big, sweet fellow who enjoys playing grand uncle to the new pups. Quince is a training junkie who loves learning but will relax like a good couch potato when he is not in training. Peggy has lost count of how many puppies she has raised but says the joy of doing it is undiminished. “Each one is unique, beautiful, fun, and enriching”.
Glory
Honeydew
Honeydew (sister to Huckleberry) is the 4th puppy Laurie Luck and husband Dana have raised for SDV. Laurie has her own dog training business, Smart Dog University in Mount Airy, MD and works full time as a federal employee for the National Institute of Standards. Honeydew goes to work with Laurie and meets zillions of people in settings ranging from auditoriums to cafeterias. Laurie is a superb trainer, both patient and kind, and is a priceless addition to SDV’s family.
Huckleberry
Huck is a big brawny guy, who has mastered giving kisses and napping. Pictured here - at about 9 weeks of age , he is well on his way, learning lots of service dogs commands. His puppy raiser is Janet Trauger and husband Rich. They have 2 Siberian Huskies. . After learning to use positive methods to teach her dogs, Janet was ready to try taking her training to the next level with service pup Huckleberry.
Jib
David Smith contacted SDV after spending a fair amount of time looking into ways to get involved with service dog organizations. He takes his projects seriously; Jib, his super pup, is no exception. David loves refining his skills at training, and Jib does his best to keep him on his toes. Don’t worry though -- David has lots of help with Jib as he is the chaplain, religious studies teacher and cross county coach at Chatham Hall, an all girls boarding school in Chatham Virginia. Jib, the only coed on campus, is being raised not only by David and his wife Jane, but by 132 girls, who think he is awesome.
Koda
Petunia
Polaris
Polaris is the first puppy that Michelle McCarthy and her family will be raising for Service Dog of Virginia. He has already become well known in Michelles hometown of Chelea Michigan where she is a professional Dog Trainer and Certified Therapy Animal Consultant. Polaris or Polar as they call him, is a bright, confident puppy who loves clicker training. Polar is enjoying living in a home with 3 kids and his new buddy Leo a black lab and registered Therapy Dog. His calm temprement and fun personality make him a joy to live with.
Quince
An adorable Golden Retriever, Quince shares a home with our Executive Director, Peggy Law. Quince is a training junkie who loves learning but will relax like a good couch potato when he is not in training.
Dogs who have been Placed
Dewey
Known as “the Diva” and “the Pocket Rocket”, Dewey is feisty, strong, and highly intelligent, loves to learn new things, and can string complex behaviors together with ease. Dewey loves an audience, is ball crazy, and is a workaholic. She swims and dives, she is athletic and outgoing. Dewey is a lot of dog but she’s a blast to train and to work with.
Raised by Peggy Law. Placed with Tony Peth.
Indy
Indy has a heart of gold and a goofy sense of humor. He requires confident, gentle leadership so he can focus and get the job done. The combination of being extremely tolerant, possessing great stamina and having a happy go lucky attitude round out this fellow’s qualifications. Indy has a large repertoire of behaviors he can perform well and will make a wonderful companion and helper.
Raised by Heather Higgins. Photo courtesy of Bill Emory. Placed with DeDi Goss.
Ivy
Petite, quiet and a little shy, Ivy is highly intelligent and carefully observant. She’s athletic, graceful, and easy to live with. She likes to be as close as she can to her person whether she is working or relaxing. Although slow to attach herself to someone, once she does, she is intensely loyal.
Raised by Peggy Law. Placed with Mark Snyder.
Rocky
Rocky is Mr. Social. He likes to greet everyone and if he were in politics he’d outshine Bill Clinton in the handshaking department. He’s large, utterly sweet and handsome and frequently plays the clown. Possessing a sunny outlook on life, Rocky is extremely laid back and quiet, and in fact, is a very sensitive guy. Thanks to his puppy raiser spending time on Lake Anna, Rocky’s favorite hobby is fishing in shallow water.
Raised by Laurie Luck. Placed with Tappan Banerjee.