K9s FOR WARRIORS

Training...
Hope for both

Find out the skills learned by each K9FW trainee to best impact the life of their warrior.

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Finding the Right Fit

K9FW is committed to saving as many dogs’ lives as possible. That includes dogs from shelters, owner surrenders or even animal cruelty cases. Too often, these dogs aren’t given another shot at survival. K9s For Warriors is working to change that. 
Just because a dog has a rough past doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be loved. 

The goal is to help the dog rebuild its trust and faith in 
humanity and begin its journey toward becoming a confident, life-changing Service Dog for a Veteran in need. It’s the work 
of the K9FW Procurement team, as well as the K9 Training team, 
that can help a shy, skittish dog find its full potential.

 

“Each skill might seem like a 
small gesture to the average person...it can make the biggest difference in the Veteran’s confidence when they are out of their comfort zone.”

What kind of skills are they trained to do?

  • Stand: Standing in front of the Veteran with its legs parallel to the Warrior’s shoulders to create a barrier and space between others.
  • Brace: When in the “stand” position and the Warrior places their hands over the dogs shoulders and back legs to brace up from a sitting/kneeling position to a standing position.
  • Look: Looking out for the Veteran and “has their back.”
  • Lap: Putting their arms over the Warrior’s lap to provide deep compression therapy, helping to calm anxiety.
  • Front: When given the ‘front’ command, the dog will return to the Warrior and sit in front of the Warrior, facing them.
  • Under: The Service Dog goes under the Warrior’s legs, chair, and/or table. This allows for the dog to stay down to avoid being a tripping hazard to anyone moving around the Warrior.
Next Up

Picking A Pup

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