Gunner helped bring joy back into my life

How to Give Commands to Your Dog

by Sandra LaFlamme | Apr 24, 2024 | Belgium Malimois, Belgium Malinois, Dogs, First Responders, German Shepherd Dog, GSD, Service Animals, Veteran

Understanding how to give commands effectively is not just about obedience training; it’s about building a strong foundation for communication and connection with your furry friend. By mastering this skill, you are opening up a world of possibilities for bonding, enrichment, and mutual understanding between you and your dog. The increased positive brain activity for yourself will bring you a greater joy. So take the time to learn how to communicate clearly with your canine companion – the rewards will be well worth it!

5 Things to Do with Your Dog Every Day

by Sandra LaFlamme | Apr 23, 2024 | Belgium Malimois, Belgium Malinois, Dogs, First Responders, German Shepherd Dog, GSD, Service Animals, Veteran

There are countless ways to enrich your relationship with your dog on a daily basis. From walks in the park to training sessions to playtime at home, finding activities that both you and your furry friend enjoy can strengthen your bond and create lasting memories. Remember that spending quality time together is not only beneficial for your dog’s physical health but also crucial for their mental well-being. So why not make it a priority to incorporate these five things into your daily routine with your beloved pup? Your four-legged companion will thank you for it! So, keep learning, exploring and having fun with your furry friend. Happy Dog Parenting!

The ongoing challenges faced by service dog handlers and how we can support them

by Sandra LaFlamme | Apr 17, 2024 | First Responders, Veteran

If you are a retired First Responder with a Veteran background who is passionate about giving back to your community and making a difference in the lives of others, we invite you to join our volunteer Handler Training Program at Canines For Heroes. Your background, expertise, and maturity are invaluable assets that can greatly benefit our program and help us continue providing life-changing service dogs to those in need. Together, we can make a lasting impact on individuals’ lives while also forming meaningful connections with these incredible animals. Join us today and become part of something truly special!

How service dogs can improve mental health and wellbeing: The Power of Positive Play

by Sandra LaFlamme | Apr 16, 2024 | Belgium Malinois, Dogs, First Responders, German Shepherd Dog, GSD, Service Animals

Actively engaging with our canines through positive play is more than just a way to pass the time – it is an opportunity to strengthen our bond while simultaneously improving both ours and our pet’s quality of life. By incorporating games that exercise our cognitive skills and provide mental stimulation into our daily routine, we are setting ourselves up for success both mentally and physically. So we do good as we feel good. Working and playing games with our dog is a net positive because we are enhancing well-being. We’re also reaping the benefits of a happier and healthier relationship between our recipeint and the community with whom they wish to contribute for years to come. At any given moment, our service dogs are ready to interact and show unwavering support and love. We are tapping into God’s intention for these animals. When Adam spoke with God, he called this anmial :Dog. In Hebrew this is כלב, and it is pronounced keh-lev, its literal meaning is “like the heart”. You see? Even in the original word for dog in Hebrew, these animals are pure, transparent, and lovable. Do you have a כלב? Tell us your dog’s name in the comments below!

The Powerful Bond Between Service Dogs and Veterans

by Sandra LaFlamme | Apr 11, 2024 | Belgium Malimois, Dogs, First Responders, German Shepherd Dog, GSD, Service Animals, Veteran

The impact of these service dogs on Veterans and First Responders cannot be overstated. For many individuals dealing with disabilities or trauma, having a service dog by their side can make all the difference in their quality of life. These animals not only provide practical assistance with tasks but also offer emotional support and companionship that can help alleviate feelings of isolation or anxiety. Through programs like Canines For Heroes, more individuals are able to access the life-changing benefits of having a service dog.

Building Stronger Bonds: Teambuilding with Your Dog

by Sandra LaFlamme | Mar 27, 2024 | Belgium Malimois, Belgium Malinois, First Responders, German Shepherd Dog, GSD, Service Animals, Veteran

There is something truly special about the bond between a human and their canine companion. Dogs have a way of understanding us on a level that no one else can, making them perfect partners forteam buildingg exercises. Each dog is unique just like each person, which is why the training process can be so beneficial for both parties. At Canines For Heroes, we recognize the healing power of this bond and strive to help local Veterans and First Responders with PTSD by providing them with trained service dogs. Your support and donations can make a real difference in the lives of those who have served our country.

Blog Body: When it comes to team building with your dog, it’s important to remember that it’s not just about teaching your dog new behaviors. It’s also about spending quality time together and strengthening your relationship. Dogs are incredibly intuitive animals, and they can sense when you are fully present with them. By engaging in training exercises and activities together, you are not only teaching your dog valuable skills but also deepening your connection with them.

Building Duration in Dog Training: The Key to Success

by Sandra LaFlamme | Mar 23, 2024 | Belgium Malimois, First Responders, German Shepherd Dog, GSD, Service Animals

Training your dog can be a rewarding experience, but it requires patience, consistency, and dedication. One important aspect of...

Building Trust with Your Dog Leads to Building Trust Within Yourself

by Sandra LaFlamme | Mar 10, 2024 | Belgium Malimois, Dogs, First Responders, Service Animals, Veteran

In today’s fast-paced world filled with constant distractions, the ability to focus one activity at a time is becoming increasingly rare. However, by making an effort to practice focused attention in our interactions, we can stand out as trustworthy individuals in the eyes of our canines and others. Being fully present in training not only shows respect for the dog but for the others in your relationship. It demonstrates our commitment to building positive working relationships based on trust and mutual understanding.

Four Paws, A Tail and A Nose: Veterans For Veterans at Island Walk

by Sandra LaFlamme | Feb 29, 2024 | Belgium Malimois, Belgium Malinois, Dogs, First Responders, Service Animals, Veteran

A Community in Need and a Response Fueled by Love
The statistics on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide rates in the military and first responder communities are not only alarming but indicative of a systemic crisis. It’s within this fertile, if heart-wrenching, soil that Canines for Heroes took root. Scouring the nation, the program finds and trains service dogs, matching them with veterans and first responders in dire need of emotional support and a renewed sense of purpose. The transformation in recipients is not merely anecdotal; it’s profound and palpable.

How Shaping Training Helps Canines for Heroes Support PTSD Healing

by Sandra LaFlamme | Feb 16, 2024 | Belgium Malimois, Dogs, First Responders, German Shepherd Dog, GSD, Service Animals

The process of shaping begins with basic obedience training, where dogs learn commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “heel.” Once they master these fundamental skills, trainers move on to more advanced ones such as opening doors or turning off lights. For someone with PTSD, having a dog that can perform these tasks can be life-changing.

Gunner helped bring joy back into my life

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