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ABOUT US
Puppy Prodigies is a
unique program, located in San Diego county. Our program is designed to provide puppies with a long-term advantage at an early age
in an effort to
effect adult behavior tendencies.
In addition, our initiatives can be used for puppies
born at a shelter, or rescued from a dire situation to help counter-balance
their negative experiences. This program can also help reduce the number of pet dogs that
are relinquished to animal shelters for behavior related problems. Our
program works for any puppy, whether in training to be a service dog, rescued
puppies, or litter births at shelters.
Our early learning program is
based on concepts derived from
animal behaviorists, researchers, and experts in the field. We also incorporate our practical
experience in dog training, assistance dog training, and puppy rearing. Our program
integrates early learning and selection screening to identify puppies who
display the potential for assistance work.
When puppies are 49 days they can be temperament tested, and matched according to future endeavors,
or the pet home.
OUR APPROACH
Our approach is multi-faceted:
- We provide a comprehensive early learning and intervention program which is the first step to a puppy's training journey. We focus on critical stages of development starting at birth by providing the puppy with structured exercises and experiences such as early stimulation, conditioning, imprinting, habituation, socialization, environment enrichment, and training. This early intervention prepares the puppy for their future roles, and promotes more successful outcomes. The purpose of our early learning program is to condition the puppies so they learn to learn! Visit the Early Learning Focus page, and the Early Learning Program Highlights page for more information.
- We support responsible breeding by assistance dog organizations, and DO NOT believe anyone should "breed just to breed". If you cannot dedicate 2 months of your life, 24/7 to the puppies, we don't believe you should be breeding. But, we know there are people out there breeding, so we hope this program will at least help the puppies that are brought into the world... we owe it to them!
- We provide support to assistance dog
organizations, rescues, and shelters to incorporate the early learning that is
fostered at Puppy
Prodigies. It can be built upon throughout the puppy's training journey.
Behavior never remains the same – it’s always changing.
- If a puppy isn't the right fit for a service dog role after advanced training, we encourage programs to focus on their strengths in an effort to find a role in which they can still do something meaningful with their lives, or be the best dog they can be.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy behind Puppy Prodigies is very simple… we're
passionate about puppy development. Education and training builds futures and
we believe it's a great way to start a young puppy on his journey. We specialize in providing
the education and resources that facilitate early learning which helps puppies prepare
for life long success.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Puppy
Prodigies is to build the foundation for future teamwork by providing
puppies with early interventional learning opportunities and environmental
influences at critical stages of development in an effort to positively affect
behavioral tendencies which will ultimately enhance their life, as well as their
human counterpart’s whether the puppy is destined for work, or a rescued pet.
OUR STAFF
Our staff is comprised of a very talented team of volunteers.
We are committed to providing the expertise necessary to develop
protocols so puppies can reach their fullest potential.
OUR FOUNDER
My
name is Judy, and I'm the founder of Puppy Prodigies. I've been hanging out with, and training
animals since I was a young girl. I remember, when I was about 8 years
old, teaching my first golden retriever to jump through a "hoop", which was
actually an old bicycle tire (see picture below). About this same time, a dear friend of our
family's found out that her son was hearing impaired. I marched over to their house
holding my dog's leash with one hand, and my jar of pennies with the other...
determined to make a difference. I left the jar with them that day in
hopes they could buy a hearing aid, but in
retrospect, I should've left the dog!
Shortly after that, I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and due to the pain and degenerative nature of my diagnosis, I wasn't able to partake in many of the extra curricular activities that my friends did. So, I put my young heart and energy into charitable causes, finding great fulfillment and realizing I could do more than just save pennies! I stayed on my volunteer course for many years and finally came upon the opportunity to combine my love for dogs with my desire to make a difference. I started puppy raising for Canine Companions for Independence. Later, I attended the Assistance Dog Institute's associate degree program, and explored the work of Bonnie Bergin. After that I volunteered and trained dogs at several service dog organizations which has given me a well rounded perspective of different techniques for training and placing dogs within the industry, as well as using this knowledge for rescues. In addition to Puppy Prodigies, I volunteer for Pawsitive Teams with my own service dog as part of their goal directed therapy program working with children. I also have a "change of career" dog from Puppy Prodigies name Ricochet. She is now a SURFice dog who raises funds & awareness for human/animal causes as part of Puppy Prodigies. You can learn more about her at www.surfdogricochet.com
I have a bachelor's degree and my previous corporate life included a career in healthcare administration/business development. I've also received certificates from San Francisco's Hearing Dog Program and the Marin Humane Society's Canine Behavior Academy. I'm a certified professional dog trainer, and know the value of education, so I stay current on the latest training techniques, and attend many seminars each year taught by some top professionals in the field of dog training. I stay abreast on the research of puppy development, which includes interaction with animal behavior researchers so I can make adaptations to the program as necessary.
But, it's the puppies who have taught me the most!
I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with them and see
first hand what they're capable of. To see the outcome of early
intervention. To observe their young minds developing. To watch them
flourish. To witness the transformation from young puppy to adult dog with
a deep rooted quest to be of service. It's this experience and passion,
coupled with the desire to make a difference and the physical limitations of my
childhood (that turned out to be limitless)... that I started Puppy
Prodigies. The puppies I have worked with have taught me more than
I could ever teach them, and it's my wish that I can share my experiences... and
my puppy love with you!
Me (on the left) at 8 years old teaching my dog to
"jump through a hoop" which was actually an old bicycle tire.
My cat Bailey, also jumping through a hoop!
"They've
taught me more than I could ever teach them"
Me
4 1/2 week old puppy learning to "target"
4 1/2 week old puppy learning to "tug"
The Puppy Prodigies neo-natal and early learning
program, as well as all content, pictures and videos on this website
are
©copyrighted
and strictly prohibited to be used
without prior express written consent from
Puppy
Prodigies.
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