Support dogs event shows just how clever they can be
DOGS might not understand English, but with a combination of verbal cues and actions they can be trained to be incredible support animals, the chairman of Paws For Support told dog owners at the weekend.
Paws For Support is a charity dedicated to using highly trained dogs to improve people’s lives in the Bailiwick.
Chairman Sara Sarre demonstrated at its show at Beau Sejour how dogs can be trained to help those with physical disabilities.
Another member of the charity, Sam Bull, explained how they can be used as support animals in nursing homes or schools, as well as helping out around the house for those with disabilities or restricted mobility.
‘We help train dogs to open drawers, or take off socks, even take things out of the washing machine,’ she said.
The aim of the show was not only to give dog owners a lesson in behavioural training, but to showcase what the charity had achieved since winning a Community Foundation award.
Qualified dogs now visit schools and some students read to them. Many schools use the dog time as a rewards system for good classwork.
Sammy Yendell and her six-year-old son Hugo brought along their 15-week-old Bernese mountain dog, Vaeda, with a view to going to training classes.
‘It’s amazing to see what the support dogs can do right across the board, they are so well trained,’ Mrs Yendell said.
There were also plenty of independent stalls where local businesses could promote their dog treats, training aids and grooming tools.
