about the dogs

ADW dogs help our clients become: more independent and self reliant, and equipped with a “tool” to increase personal mobility and environmental safety.  Overall quality of life is improved through the introduction of a constant, non-judgmental, loving companion.

ADW dogs come from specific breeders who focus on successful service dog characteristics, from donations or shelters/rescues, and ADW occasionally breeds exemplary canine graduates of the program. Most often, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and a cross between these two breeds are used because of their innate interest in retrieving (many of the commands needed to assist people with physical mobility challenges are “retrieves”), their good work ethic and pleasant temperament. On occasion, Standard Poodles, Labradoodles, Papillons, King Charles Cavalier Spaniels and other breeds have also been trained by ADW for service work.  ADW dogs will be taught over 90 commands, a process which takes 18 to 24 months. Successful ADW dogs (8 out of 10 who enter the program) are then placed with clients and will assist the client for up to ten years.

Clients can also bring their own dogs to ADW for evaluation and training through the ADW Self Training Program.  Potential service dogs (of many breeds) are assessed for temperament and “interest” in doing the work, and accepted client/dog teams then work with ADW trainers for a minimum of 40 weeks. Graduates of ADW Self Training leave the program with Public Access Certification and an identified set of skills to support the specific client.

Since 1995, ADW has trained and placed over 100 dogs with clients with disabilities.  Our organization currently places 10-15 dogs per year with clients primarily from New Mexico, although there are ADW dog/client teams in many other parts of the country.