Meet Dogs in Training
Every future service dog begins their journey with training and purpose.
Every Dog Has a Purpose
Our service dogs in training work hard to become a life-changing partner for a Veteran. Whether they’re training for mobility assistance or psychiatric service, they represent hope, healing, and loyalty in action. Meet some of the incredible canines currently preparing to serve.
Mobility Assistance Service Dogs
Support for physical independence.
Mobility assistance service dogs are trained to assist with mobility-related tasks such as retrieving dropped items, opening doors, providing balance and stability, and more. They learn how to respond to specific physical needs with calm, consistent support.
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Psychiatric Service Dogs
Support for invisible wounds.
Psychiatric service dogs are specially trained to assist Veterans living with post-traumatic stress, anxiety, history of military sexual trauma (MST), and other psychological challenges. Their training includes alerting to distress, interrupting harmful behaviors, providing grounding during anxiety episodes, and offering consistent emotional regulation and safety cues. While some Veterans may also experience mobility limitations due to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), psychiatric service dogs are matched based on mental health needs rather than physical ones.
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What Our Veterans Are Saying
“Before Hazel, the main way I managed my mental health issues was isolation—sometimes even from my own family inside my own home. I have been on multiple trips with Hazel across the nation, we leave the house almost daily, we spend more time with friends and family, my sleep schedule is much better—the list goes on and on. Through the charity of others, Hazel has been able to literally make me whole again.”
“Smokey is the best thing that has happened to me. He helps me attend college classes, drive to my local grocery store, and goes to all my VA appointments with me. He has opened up my life in so many other ways! I’m so grateful to Canines for Service for giving me such a gift.”
"Henry has created a more caring environment for me as well as helping me establish better routines. This has helped my sleep and stress. He seems to have brought a sense of calm and peace to places that I have not been comfortable with before. This has allowed me to go back to a job I like but was unable to handle the environment before. He has truly been a blessing in my life every day."
“You aren’t giving me a dog, you are giving me a chance.”
Hobbes is helping with mobility around town and up hills and stairs much easier. She is also picking up items for me which is easing the pain in my back and hips. Hobbes is the most amazing animal for calming. She senses my triggers and is the most calming loving animal not just for me but others that come to see me throughout the day. For most of my life, I believed service meant giving everything you have until there’s nothing left. Hobbes taught me something far more profound: service is strongest when it comes from someone who is whole. She reminds me every day that healing, rest, and support are not signs of weakness—they are prerequisites for compassion. After decades of carrying others, Hobbes has allowed me, at last, to set something down. And in doing so, she has given me the strength to keep serving with purpose, clarity, and heart.
Bios & Photos
In Training. In Progress.
Our service dogs’ journeys start around 8 weeks of age. As puppies, these future heroes learn foundational skills, such as socialization, crate training, grooming, and potty training. They are placed with volunteer puppy fosters who attend weekly puppy class and generously share their hearts and homes with the littlest members of our pack. Get to know a few of the puppies on the path to being matched with a Veteran.
These bios celebrate our dogs’ dedication and keep supporters informed of the difference they’re making.
Sponsor Our Mission & Name a Dog
Give a dog a name. Change a Veteran’s life.
You can help write the next chapter for a service dog in training. Through our Puppy Patron sponsorship opportunity, individuals and businesses can make a lasting impact by funding a dog’s journey and giving them a meaningful name.
Sponsorships support veterinary care, equipment, food, and training.
Name a service dog in training
Receive updates and photos of their progress
Support a Veteran's path to independence
One Veteran. One Dog.
No Barriers.
Join us in changing lives—through service, loyalty, and love. Together, we can ensure every Veteran who needs a service dog has a partner by their side.
