Payson Wonder Dogs

Our newest episode of Taking the Lead takes you behind the scenes of something essential to our mission at Leader Dogs for the Blind: understanding what it takes to be ready for a guide dog.

We walk through the abilities, preparation, and lifestyle considerations that help ensure each guide dog partnership is successful. From mobility skills to daily routines, these factors play a key role in building a strong bond between a person and their future Leader Dog.

If you’ve ever been curious about what readiness looks like, or how we make decisions that support independence and confidence, this episode offers a clear and thoughtful look at the process.

Listen the full episode here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/b15a5a25

Photo description: A golden retriever in a Leader Dog harness is guided by a person holding its leash, walking on a sidewalk in a grassy area.

How to Give Your Dog Jobs to Do at Home If you have a high-energy dog at home, you can keep them engaged and active by giving them “jobs” or “responsibilities” around the house.

Puppy raisers needed! Become a puppy raiser and be a part of our puppy community at CST. Visit our website at caninesupportteams.org and become a puppy raiser today! Give the gift of independence, we can’t do this without you!

Cues To Teach Your Dog To Avoid Approaching Dogs Teaching your dog proactive skills to avoid approaching other dogs can help decrease their anxiety at the sight of other dogs. Here's how.

Volunteer Bev is one of Leader Dogs for the Blind's wonderful on-campus volunteers who care for our puppies in all ways necessary... including those that involve cuddles. These adorable puppies have been dropped off by their breeding host families and are now waiting to start the next phase of their Future Leader Dog journey with a dedicated puppy raiser. Could this be you? This rewarding volunteer opportunity offers flexibility from home and the chance to make a meaningful difference in someone's life. Puppy raisers help these special puppies learn essential skills and provide the one-on-one attention they need to succeed in their important future role. If you're interested in learning more about becoming a puppy raiser or breeding host, please visit leaderdog.org/volunteer. Video description: A woman sits on a chair in the puppy area. She is holding a black Labrador puppy, cuddling them and scratching their belly. The puppy reacts to her affectionately and the woman smiles. Gentle music is playing in the background.

Canine Support Teams was honored to be invited to present to Brownie Girl Scout Troop 1186! 🌟🐾

The girls, and their adults, learned about CST, service dogs, the important tasks they perform, and the many ways they change lives. Our star ambassador, Raine, was an exceptional example and genuinely enjoyed her time with the troop!

We are especially grateful to the troop for choosing to donate to CST. Your generosity helps us continue our mission of empowering independence through the partnership of service dogs and the people who need them.

At Canine Support Teams, we welcome every opportunity to be involved in the community, educate others about service dogs, and share our mission far and wide.

Thank you, Troop 1186, for allowing us the privilege of sharing CST with you! 💛🐶

It's a puppy snuggle sandwich! These cute Labrador retriever puppies are getting ready to say goodbye to their loved breeding host and are ready to get more snuggles for their volunteer puppy raiser.

Want to help raise the next generation of guide dogs? Sign up to volunteer as a breeding host or puppy raiser - warning: excessive cuteness guaranteed!

Learn more at https://www.leaderdog.org/volunteer

Photo Description: Two individuals, an adult and a child, affectionately holding and kissing two puppies, one black and one yellow Lab, amidst a green, leafy background.

Is Your Dog Stubborn? Probably Not! Dogs that don't listen or obey are called stubborn dogs, but there are often simpler reasons for their behavior such as confusion or distractions.

I received this question and thought it would be important to address it. The question of “do we need to use food to train a puppy?” Begs the question in return., “ why would we want to do it any other way?” all too often we get caught up at our egos and try to change things that are working perfectly. Almost every dog I’ve ever trained. I’ve started them off with food and or toys. In particularly, puppies, respond best to luring and engagement with food. Again, like I said, I’ve used food with adult dogs as well and it works fantastic. But this question is about puppies It’s very natural for puppies to engage and work for food. At the core level, a puppy needs food to survive and understand that. It is a way to build a fair relationship and it’s critical in training Dogs that we focus on being fair to the dog or the puppy. Yes, play is also very important and it is component of training that I use as well. There are some dogs who work much better for toys and play, and some that work better for food. The bottom line is we give the dog with the dog needs and develop a relationship based on fairness and communication. Training a puppy is about building a relationship first and foremost. If you’re not gonna do that, find something else to do. #doglover #dogtraining #dogtrainer #puppytraining #puppies #trainyourdog #trainyourpuppy #puppytrainer

🐾Training Tip from Helena 🐾 Dog training isn’t just about teaching commands, it’s about ensuring safety, building good behavior, and creating a happier, healthier life for both dog and handler. Helena reminds us: "Your training is only going to be as good as your relationship with your dog. You need a bond built on trust and clear communication. Confusing your dog or rewarding behaviors you don’t actually want will hurt your relationship and your training. Dogs thrive with a leader who is consistent and fair." ✅ Consistency matters. ✅ Clear communication matters. Together, they help your dog grow into the very best partner they can be. #dogtraining #trainertips #puppyraiser #servicedogintraining #servicedog