Eddie, at 19 months, will begin Formal Training in the next few weeks. Formal Training is the period of our training program where a pup lives with our Head Trainer. The dog’s obedience, house manners and loose leash walking are honed to a very high standard. The dog is taught service dog tasks with a focus on those needed by their person, once matched. Our Formal Training lasts 6-8 months. It’s the most intensive period of our dogs’ training.
Eddie is the 3rd black lab mix pup we’ve adopted from the same rescue organization in Mississippi over 5 years. They were shipped up to various local rescues here. Eddie is the first Missippi lab to enter Formal Training. Proudly raised by our Ace Puppy Raiser, Janet Barnetta, Eddie has consistently been a star in her class. Janet was our 2022 Volunteer of the Year. She had previously raised Danny, who graduated from our program.
Nancy Teague, the founder of Putnam Service Dogs, is a dedicated advocate who embodies the mission of the organization every single day. Alongside the passionate individuals who have joined the cause, she works tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of both people and dogs. With an unwavering commitment to championing service dogs, Nancy understands the transformative power that occurs when a service dog is matched with its recipient, forging a remarkable team.
