Lobo: The Service Dog (in training)
After Dexter passed, we searched for a new potential recruit to be a service dog. Yes, some companies train them, and you are part of that training as well. Instead, I decided to do this with a rescue dog.
It’s partly the cost. I also felt more confident after Dexter, trained by Uncle Sam, but we kept up with him.
I found a local rescue that brings street dogs from mostly Tijuana. I also learned how to test for potential personality. It is called the Volhard Aptitude test. It’s not just temperament but also startle reflex (like fireworks) and other behaviors.
Here is a link to the test. Dog training professionals use it for police work, rescue, and service dogs. It could help you select a pup because a dog that passes all this will potentially have a good personality. Lobo is extremely good with children, the elderly, and other dogs. So, in that respect, he is already a winner. And if you want a family dog, it’s worth doing it or having an expert help you.
I did this test in the field, except for the startle test. However, Lobo would have passed; he could care less about fireworks. Dexter did not care either, but as a military working dog, he knew the difference between fireworks and live fire. He alerted for the latter.