As some of you may know, Maverick is the black Labrador Retriever that we are currently training to be an assistance dog for a young lady that was injured in a car accident. When Maverick came to our kennel for training as an assistance dog, the clients gave us a list of all of the tasks that they wanted Maverick to be capable of performing. The list contained 32 different tasks in addition to the obedience and general manners that he was to be taught. Some of the items on the list included; pulling a wheelchair (see the video), retrieving objects such as phones, keys, etc. food refusal, heeling beside of a wheelchair, climbing steps and turning on light switches. Now we are down to about three itmes left on the list before Maverick officially begins his work as an assistance dog.

The big task for this week was turning on light switches. I am happy to say that Maverick took to this task very well. We were actually able to teach the “switch” command in only a matter of a few attempts. We are now proofing the command and Maverick is doing well. I will try to post some of the video of Maverick working real soon.

Maverick is also wearing his assistance dog harness anytime that he works. The harness was a bit awkward at first, but Maverick has become accustomed to it quite quickly. The harness was custom made to fit him by John Bonner, our “leather guy”. He worked on the harness for several weeks to ensure that it would lastJohn did and excellent job in creating this harness for Maverick to work in.