Gonna train all day until the trainin’s done!
Now that you have met the Honor Litter and their namesakes, I’d like to give you a glimpse into their training and shaping – a topic I’ve always been very interested in. There actually was a time when I gave serious consideration to going back to school and becoming a dog trainer, but ultimately decided that I was more suited to be a professional pet photographer. One of the reasons I became so interested in training was because of my own dog, Oliver. Like most dog parents, I tried to do the right thing and take him to obedience school, but it was an abysmal failure. He was kicked out, not once, but twice! So we hired a private trainer who gave it a shot, but soon gave me my money back, telling me Ollie was untrainable and should be put down. Horrified, I took naughty dog home and resigned myself to the task of teaching him to be socially acceptable. It was then that I learned just how effective positive reinforcement was. While he wouldn’t have won any prizes for being the most obedient dog, with lots of love and praise, he became a polite and beloved member of our family for 19 years (yes, 19!).
In more recent times, I have become fascinated with service dogs for vets (you would have never guessed huh?). What these dogs are trained to do is absolutely remarkable. We are all familiar with seeing eye dogs and various other types of service dogs, but very few realize just how remarkable a Wounded Warrior service dog can be, and what goes into making them the best that they can be, so that they are able to go on to serve those who have so valiantly served us.
I have a friend with a traumatic brain injury, and he actually has his name tattooed on his arm because he sometimes literally forgets who he is as a result of this injury. Thankfully, he has a remarkable service dog who is trained to watch him constantly, but especially at night. Throughout the night, his dog will wake him whenever necessary – often multiple times a night – when she sees him having nightmares. If she is unable to wake him, she is trained to press a big white 911 button, which will immediately alert 911 operators that a service dog is calling and to dispatch help immediately. How on earth is a dog trained to watch a person sleep and to know when their person needs to be woken up, or when it is time to hit the 911 button? It is fascinating! And so begins my journey to learn every little detail about the raising and training of the Honor Litter.
In the beginning …
The first two weeks of the puppies lives are really all about keeping them as safe, warm, and as secure as possible. Once their eyes open and they start to walk, more experiences are introduced, such as having volunteers come in to visit and pet the puppies (“puppy petters”). Puppy petters are encouraged to touch the puppies’ faces, their paws, rub their little bellies, and to cradle them on their laps so they are on there backs for a few seconds. Being exposed to many different people at such a young age is important to the puppies’ socialization. They learn that they are safe and nothing bad is going to happen to them, so it is okay to let these humans touch them. Puppy petters continue to come and visit the puppies until they are eventually placed in homes with their new puppy parents (more on puppy parents in a later post).
Who are the puppy petters and why do they come?
The puppy petters range from about 2 years old to 90+. Men, women, some with military affiliation, some without. They come from all walks of life, and not just from all over Maryland where WCC is located, but from all over the country. They sign up weeks ahead of time to come for about an hour to sit and pet the puppies. It is absolutely amazing! As you can guess, their reasons for coming are as vast as the places they travel from. When I first started this project, I knew that these dogs would have a profound effect on the lives of everyone they touched. If you have read my first post announcing this project , you know that highlighting this profound effect is one of my goals. What I didn’t anticipate was just how profound it would be for so many people. The willingness to support Warrior Canine Connection, the incredible friendships formed, the distances traveled, the lives changed … all because of some incredible puppies with an incredible mission! I can not possibly do justice to the stories that have been shared with me from several of the puppy petters, so I’d like to share some of their quotes. I know you will be as moved as I have been.
Florence getting some serious snuggles!
“I traveled from Huntsville, AL (726 miles) to pet these puppies – twice! … I did it because I love this organization and the opportunity to help -even in such a small way- was just too hard to pass up. … That one thing in life that doesn’t feel like work- it gets you out of bed in the morning and keeps you running all day long until you fall into bed exhausted and start all over the next day. There is no quitting with this group! And the mission- helping our service members who have sacrificed so much for us” – Kim, Huntsville, AL
Wiggly worm, Bre, trying to decide how she feels about this whole belly rub thing.
Bre having lots of fun with her wonderful puppy petters.
Tonja drove in from the Philadelphia area this past July. “Seeing the puppies in person was a thrill – but meeting Rick, Molly, Cheryl and Mia, Puppy Parents and many (of WCC’s supporters) – and hearing about the passion each had for helping in the healing of wounded veterans, was a blessing and gift. The excitement about the mission of WCC is contagious!!!”
Can’t …hold…head…up…any…more
“WCC has been life-changing for me – to see how these pups/dogs affect the lives of many of our wounded warriors suffering from PTSD and our country’s veterans is so heartwarming. The dedication of the WCC’s staff and their puppy parents is amazing and like no other. To see what these dogs have learned at such a young age is so impressive.” – Lee, Durham, N.C.
Nick’s living the good life!
“I made my journey, 600+ miles, to ‘pet puppies.’ Why? I was hooked on the mission…helping veterans with PTSD and TBI make a gentler entry back into civilian life and to train service animals for fellow veterans with mobility impairments. What a unique concept!! But WCC has done so much more than that. They have healed the hearts of many non-military, cultivated long lasting friendships and the list just grows.” – Michelle
Being this cute is so exhausting!
“I only came from North Carolina, but it was a trip I will never forget. You can not describe the feeling of holding one of these puppies, and having them fall asleep in your arms or on your lap. Running in the backyard with them, and they are trying to keep up with you on those four little legs. Just sitting there and watching them, and knowing that they are going to grow up and serve one of our deserving military men or woman. It just melts your heart.” – Paula …just love how Paula says that she only came from North Carolina! 🙂
One very happy puppy!!
“I was intent on inhaling as much puppy breath as I could! Renewal, innocence and comfort with every breath! … Meeting the Honor Litter at such a precious age was an adventure! With each bite, growl and wiggle, I cherished every moment. To meet the older pups was a privilege! To meet Huff and the ladies (four legged) of WCC was life changing. … Meeting Molly and Cheryl showed me an appreciation for the work they tirelessly seem to do. To have had the opportunity to sit with Rick, one on one will always be a treasure. His passion for this organization and the Wounded Warriors they support is so inspiring. … I had many favorite moments! If I had to pick one, I suppose it would be when I picked up Luke just after he had eaten. He had kibble smushed on his chin. When I looked at him, he looked right into my heart. I planted a big kiss on that kibble face and will never forget the licks and love he gave me in return!” – Penny, traveled 2811.4 miles to visit the puppies!
Could Nick be any more adorable?
“I loved what I saw of Molly and Rick and their loving care of these beautiful dogs. I flew from Springfield IL. 3 times this year. I wanted to be connected with my military again in a meaningful giving back sort of way…….and this was the vehicle to help do good for all. …I got to witness the healing power of these dogs with vets visiting. I save and fly out as often as I can. I love and support WCC always and forever and have met the nicest people through WCC.” – Mary Anne, former Air Force Captain
Luke enjoying lots of love!
A wonderful side note that Mary Anne shared with me – she donated her Air Force fatigues to WCC, and Molly used them to make vests for the Honor Litter to wear. “still chokes me up to this moment……..so, I am even more proud of this honor litter and their vests are my uniform material that I proudly wore.” I just love this and am so thankful to Mary Anne for sharing this detail with me. It just adds another incredible layer to the legacy of honor that will be with these puppies all the days of their lives!
Many have shared stories with me about difficult times they have gone through, and what peace and joy the Honor Litter, and all of Warrior Canine Connection’s dogs have brought them. Many others have shared stories of family members who served in the military and now have PTSD. The common theme among everyone I have spoken with is their love for WCC and unwavering support of the mission. They adore not just the puppies, but the people behind the puppies. Molly, Rick, Cheryl, Patty, and countless others who not only make WCC such an incredible organization, but also touch each of us on such a personal level. I hope to introduce them to you in the future!
The training begins…
At about four weeks old, the puppies begin to learn basic commands. I was amazed to see that, at just five and a half weeks old, the puppies were already learning what most dogs don’t usually learn until six months to a year. Sit, shake, roll over, etc. Never in my wildest dreams did it occur to me that puppies were able to learn these things at such tender ages. Not only were they able to learn, but they were excited about it! It really begs the question why on earth have we been told for so many decades to not take our dogs to obedience school until at least six months old. One of the things you will notice in the following pictures are the various blankets and cushions in the training area, these are all part of the training – they teach the dogs to not be afraid of different textures and surfaces. Okay, time to sit back and enjoy these smarty pants showing off their new skills!
Sit! Derek showing off his sitting skills:
mmm mmm good! – Derek
Shake! Cody is VERY eager to shake Ms. Cheryl’s hand!
Shake it up, baby!
Roll over: Leigh Ann demonstrating her ability to roll over!
I can do it! – Leigh Ann
Get dressed! Bre learning to get used to ‘dress’ in her harness!
It’s all about the accessories!
Up! Stanley, proudly showing off his cookie crumb face, as he learned Up!
Two hand Stan, rocking that UP command!
Down: Nick had no problem demonstrating ‘down”!
Sometimes DOWN isn’t as easy as it looks!
Luke, getting acquainted with a wheelchair! It was a little scary at first, but this little man has it covered!
Luke wasn’t really sure what to think of the wheelchair thing at first, but they don’t phase him now!
Florence sure does know how to give a ‘kiss’. Personally, I think Cheryl threw this “command” in there for selfish reasons! haha!! What a horrible job she has…puppy kisses all day long! 🙂
Puppy kisses all day long – it is a dirty job, but somebody has to do it!
Gavin, learning to walk on new textures with enthusiasm!
Would you look at Gavin showing off on the Fit Paws bumpy texture!
Cody, learning what ‘stand’ means!
Cody knowing how to stand right next to his Wounded Warrior will be extremely important!
Nick, learning ‘go in’!
What goes in must come out!
Leigh Ann showing great skill at going through the ring! As a side note, isn’t that itty bitty little ring fantastic!?!
Beautiful and talented!
Derek, learning to come to his name!
I’m Derek! I’m Derek! …can I have that treat?
Gavin, demonstrating how to ‘touch.’ No, there wasn’t cake batter on the other side, I checked!
Touch – the first step in learning dozens of other skills.
Nick, being a very, very good boy and using the potty box! You laugh!
Imagine, a 5 week old puppy using the potty box – information that would have been useful to me years ago!! 🙂
The Outings!
Before I close out this post, I’d also like to share with you one of the other very important elements to the puppies’ training – the outings! A vital part of training is being exposed to as many sights, sounds, smells, and environments as possible right from the start. As service dogs, they will need to be calm, cool and collected in even the most stressful situations. So part of their weekly training involves bringing them on various different outings. Over the coming months, I will be sharing lots of these outings with you. Next up, I would like to share the Honor Litter’s first big outing – a field trip to Discovery Communications, where they were met with tons of smiling faces. All eager to hold and snuggle up with a precious little future service dog!
These outings are as much for the people as they are for the puppies!
Nick is already charming the ladies!
Luke had a few things to say!
It’s nice to have someone there to help hold your head up!
Gavin, taking it all in!
Snug as a bug!
Stanley, already doing his job so well!
Precious little Bre!
Gavin, has this whole snuggling thing down!
Leigh Ann was trying her hand at singing!
Doggie Heaven!
“they pay me in kisses!” – Cody
“Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole.” – Roger Caras
Bringing smiles to their faces, that’s my job! – Derek
You might need two hands to hold Stanley, but he is worth his weight in gold…actually, I think he is priceless!
Love the puppy paws!!
Nobody can resist sweet little Florence
This was a long post, so I thank you for sticking with me. I hope you enjoyed this first installment of the many aspects of the Honor Litter’s training. I’d love to hear your thoughts about it! And please, if there is an aspect of their training that you would like to learn more about, let me know in the comments below, or on my facebook page!
Until next time, have joy in your heart, a smile on your face, and a dog by your side!
Bonnie
Oh Bonnie….you capture the beauty and spirit of the dear Honor Litter…
such love and heart behind every picture <3
Absolutely beautiful………love how you write from the heart……..and these adorable close ups of these babies are breathtaking. Thanks for all you are doing for WCC Bonnie. Mary Anne
Oh, Bonnie, that was wonderful! I am looking forward to all your future installments. You are right – all of these dogs from WCC have very far-reaching healing powers. They have touched so many of us. Thank you!!!
Thank you for all you are doing to raise awareness for WCC! I love your posts and pictures of the babies!
Wow! Simply beautiful!! You need to put up a Kleenex alert! Thanks for telling their stories! Heidi
This is incredible. Thank you so much for chronicling the training of these sweet babies and all the people that love them.
Thanks for a great post, Bonnie. I traveled up to Menlo Park to visit the new WCC West Coast facility and flew 2,550 miles to pet puppies in Brookeville MD in July. These dogs and puppies,
I loved this post! As one who has been blessed by being a part of WCC, who has traveled over 600 miles to pet pups, and who has helped gain much deserved publicity for WCC through an article in Social Work Today, I am pleased to see how well you have captured the essence of the WCC experience through your pictures and words! Thanks, Bonnie!
Absolutely beautiful. You did an outstanding job again on your photos and have chosen some awesome pictures of the Honor Litter. How can you not love your job, we are all jealous and would love to be in your shoes as you capture this wonderful mission that these puppies have. Well done. 🙂
Oh Bonnie your insights into WCC tugs at my heart and makes the tears flow :-). Bless you for what you do and for sharing the special mission of all the dogs at WCC!
To go with your incredible photography, you prove to be a gifted writer as well. I appreciate your point of view from both the camera angle and seeing how we EPW’s feel first hand. You are an angel! Thank you Bonnie <3
p.s. Is there a LOVE BUTTON here somewhere? You must have one installed 🙂
Great post – lots of education (training) for all of us reading!! And your pictures are (as always) fabulous! Thanks!!!
Bonnie, you capture so much of the heart with your stories and pictures!! This is just so precious!
You are a gifted photographer and writer. Thanks for sharing so many special images with us.
I’m fortunate to live locally and have been a puppy petter for Holly’s Half Dozen, Misty’s Weather Litter and most recently Olive’s Honor Litter~ Each puppy and the adult WCC Dogs have earned a very special place in my heart. I often relieve many wonderful memories of visits with the WCC dogs, WCC family and with the many friends I’ve met, through photos taken by myself and others. But none compare to the magical moments you have captured in these photos, through your descriptions of what you have witnessed, and by sharing the experiences of others. You have a rare talent for teaching and will be make a huge impact on the program by sharing this information. I’d buy your book!
What an amazing job you did and Thank you for sharing. Keep up the great work. I drove from Lakeland Fl to see these puppies not just for me but son Ryan who fell for Luke. Luke has some amazing healing power though the Camera and even more in person. I saw more love then any mother could imagine when I saw my son hold Luke for the first time. I will always have that memories to hold and tell his children about. These special puppies not only help our Veteran but they help us all.
Woderful post! Your pictures are beautiful, and you captured so well what we all love about Warrior Canine Connection. Thank you!
Bonnie, you have such a gift in your artistry with a camera AND your unique way with words. Many of us only know WCC through the explore.org puppy-cam (EPWs), so thank you for ‘adopting’ this wonderful service organization and giving us another view. I’m looking forward to your next blog. ~Susie
Wonderful job on the training the puppies go thru. The photos are heartwarming. Nicely done Bonnie. Absolutely love this segment.
Wow I felt like I just went on a tour of the PEC. Your pictures and writing make me feel like I am right there. Please keep sharing your wonderful God given talent with us. Thank you!
lady b….
I *know* all this stuff, and still I squalled when I read your blog. you’ve managed to capture our pups on camera and in words. carry on!
snuggs
p.s. you might as well post Kleenex and windex alerts at the top of your posts to warn everyone. really loved the shot of l.a. “singing the song of her people.”
Bonnie, what a fabulous article. Loved the story about your own pup! I had one of those too. I got so many things out of this, from giggles to tears and along with that I’m a little smarter!
Can’t wait for the next article!
Loved this blog. You have captured the heart and soul of WCC and the puppies.
Wow! Still wiping the tears, but so appreciate what you are doing. What a treat it is to get to know these puppies and the WCC a little bit more through you. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of your posts. Your photography is beautiful! Thank you!
Amazing, breathtaking pictures of the Honor Litter and the WCC supporters who love them! Precious comments about the puppies and their training! This is my second time to scroll through your blog and feel your incredible insight in the lives of these babies.
I am sure you would have done well as a “dog trainer” but you are a truly gifted photographer. I thank you for your gift to me and I am sure thousands of others who would love to be able to visit WCC in person. The work that they do is phenomenal, and being able to see it through your eyes is a special treat. WCC deserves all the support we can give them. They are a truly dedicated group of people and of course dogs:)
Keep up the good work and thank you again for all you do
Thank you Bonnie for this beautiful blog. It brings back great memories of petting Misty’s Weather Litter and later Olive’s Honor Litter. I will be back to pet the next litter of WCC pups – traveling over 1,600 miles to do so. There is just something so calming and therapeutic being around these lovely creatures and the wonderful people that are WCC.
What an incredible job Bonnie! Thanks for keeping the Honor litters progress on this special blog!!!!! Can’t wait for the next one! Bless you!!!
What beautiful photos and captivating words, Bonnie! You were successful in telling the story of WCC, whose mission is one I wholly support. I look forward to future posts!
p.s. I was told the reason we shouldn’t take our dogs to obedience class before 6 months is that the pup’s immune system isn’t fully developed and all vaccines haven’t been received. The pups shouldn’t be exposed to (potentially) sick dogs, bacteria on the ground, pet waste, etc. Puppies begin learning, as you noted, as soon as they are born!
Beautiful, moving, informative. Isn’t it wonderful that every single person, who has come in contact with these pups, has a smile on his/her face? The wonder and joy of dogs.
Wow! I am so happy I found this site! What beautiful pictures & stories to go with them. I am lucky enough to live in MD – when I stumbled upon “puppy petting”, I just had to!
When I arrived – some wonderful people & ADORABLE puppies! We have always had labs. When Cheryl asked where I came from – I told her & she replied “oh that’s pretty close” – I HAD NO IDEA PPs came from all over! I love this group, cause, mission and the incredible work of Cheryl, Molly, etc. I had no idea, at the beginning, that I would become an Addict!! Thanks Bonnie for your wonderful work 😉
Hi Bonnie, I see a book in the works. You are amazing. Great photos and you are an incredible writer. You Go Girl!