Inara’s Journey to Becoming a Service Dog

When a family in Albuquerque welcomed Inara, a 3-month-old German Shepherd, into their home, they had big dreams for their new furry companion. Inara’s owners hoped she would one day become a service animal, providing invaluable support in their daily lives. But as first-time dog owners, they knew they needed guidance to give her the best start possible. That’s when they turned to Good Buddy Dog Training.

Starting with the Basics

Inara came into training with the wide-eyed curiosity of a puppy and the energy to match. Living in a home with two adults and two cats, she was already learning to navigate a bustling household. Our primary goal was to focus on essential obedience skills, giving Inara the tools she needed to excel now and in the future.

We began with foundational commands such as:

• Sit

• Stay

• Place

• Recall (Come when called)

These are the building blocks for any well-trained dog but are especially critical for a future service animal.

Unlocking Inara’s Service Dog Potential

As Inara quickly mastered the basics, it became clear she had a knack for learning. Her focus and eagerness to please made her a natural candidate for more advanced skills that could support her future role as a service dog.

We introduced a variety of activities to support Inara’s growth and prepare her for future service work. Practicing extended stays helped build her patience and self-control, both crucial traits for a service dog. The place command taught her to settle calmly in a designated spot, a skill she’ll rely on when accompanying her owner in public settings.

Recall training ensured she responded consistently when called, strengthening trust and safety. Finally, fetch and retrieve exercises added an element of fun while introducing tasks she might eventually perform as part of her service responsibilities. Her owners’ dedication was remarkable. They practiced diligently between sessions, reinforcing Inara’s learning every step of the way.

Puppy Training Results and Milestones

By the end of our training program, Inara had grown into a confident and well-behaved puppy with a strong foundation of obedience skills. She wasn’t just excelling in her training; she was thriving as a beloved member of her family. Her owners are now better equipped to continue her journey toward becoming a service dog, knowing they have a solid base to build on.

A Bright Future for Inara

Inara’s story is a testament to what’s possible when commitment, consistency, and expert guidance come together. Her owners’ dedication to practicing her training daily and reinforcing positive behaviors played a vital role in her transformation. 

She’s set up for success in her future role as a service dog and brings joy and harmony to her household in the process. With a solid foundation of obedience and emerging skills, Inara is well on her way to making a lasting impact on her family’s life and fulfilling her potential as a reliable and loving service companion.

Set Your Puppy Up for Success

If you’re ready to start your puppy off on the right paw, investing in early puppy training is one of the best decisions you can make. The early months are critical for shaping your pup’s behavior, building trust, and teaching essential skills to serve them for a lifetime.