SERVICE DOGS
Canine Companions for Independence Service Dogs are partnered with adults with physical disabilities to assist with daily tasks and increase independence by reducing reliance on other people.

A CCI Service Dog not only assists with physical tasks, but also provides social support. During a two-week training session, participants learn how to effectively handle an assistance dog to maximize use of the 40 commands. A Service Dog can pull their partner in a manual wheelchair, push buttons for elevators or automatic doors, and even assist with business transactions by transferring money, receipts, and packages.

Disabilities served include, but are not limited to, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, arthritis and cerebral palsy.
 

HEARING DOGS
Canine Companions for Independence Hearing Dogs are specially bred Labrador and Golden Retrievers who alert partners to key sounds by making physical contact such as nudging the leg or arm. Among the many sounds Hearing Dogs are trained to recognize and respond to are the sound of a doorbell, alarm clock, someone calling a name or a smoke alarm.

Partnering with a CCI Hearing Dog can increase feelings of security and self-confidence by heightening awareness of environmental sounds.

After being placed in the home, the graduates “customize” the dog’s alerting pattern to their own particular environment and needs. Examples include: alerting to incoming e-mail messages at work, timers on microwaves, dryers and other appliances, and dropping keys.

FACILITY DOGS
Facility Dogs are expertly trained dogs who partner with a facilitator working in a health care, visitation or education setting.

CCI Facility Dogs are trustworthy in professional environments and can perform over 40 commands designed to motivate and inspire clients with special needs.

In an educational setting, a Facility Dog helps engage students in schools and special education classes.

In a health care environment, activities such as grooming, feeding and playing fetch with a Facility Dog can aid patients in medical rehabilitation and psychiatric programs.

A well-mannered and highly trained Facility Dog encourages feelings of calm and security for clients in a visitation setting such as a courtroom.

SKILLED COMPANION DOGS
Skilled Companion Dogs are trained to work with an adult or child with a disability under the guidance of a facilitator. A facilitator is typically a parent, spouse or caregiver who handles and cares for the assistance dog, encourages a strong bond between the recipient and the Skilled Companion Dog, and is responsible for the customized training needs of the dog.

Disabilities served include but are not limited to, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, autism and Down’s syndrome.

A CCI Skilled Companion is bred to be calm, reliable and affectionate, and reduces the reliance on other people to complete simple daily tasks.

A CCI Skilled Companion can also serve as a social bridge to people who are not used to relating with a person with disabilities. Not only does this kind of assistance make their physical lives easier, it boosts confidence and feelings of self-sufficiency.

WOUNDED VETERAN INITIATIVE
Canine Companions for Independence has provided many assistance dogs to US war veterans across the country. With the increase in wounded veterans who could benefit from an assistance dog, we want to do more. For a veteran making a new start putting their life back together from an injury, an assistance dog can provide the help they need to regain independence.