‘Super pups’ will graduate help the lives of many Australians

AFTER learning a wide range of skills from picking up phones and crutches to detecting if someone is having a panic attack, these “super pups” will graduate and go on to help many Australian families.

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THEY don’t give out “Dogplomas” with the biscuits, you know.

To get one, these “super pups” must learn to perform a wide range of skills like picking up phones, remotes, keys and even crutches before they can become fully-fledged Assistance Dogs.

Chocolate Labrador Lorita with a 9-week-old black Labrador pup. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The pup is undergoing a training program to be an assistance dog in the future for disabled people. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“Our dogs can open and close doors, drawers and fridges. They’ve been taught how to put in and take out clothes from washing machines and dryers. They can even press buttons at pedestrian crossings,” Janie McKie, Communications Officer of Assistance Dogs Australia, said. The dogs, predominantly labradors, will go to 59 families this year.

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The dogs learn to perform a number of duties. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

While training is quite serious, there is always some time for a little fun. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“They learn to detect if someone is feeling anxious or having a panic attack — our dogs are trained to perform different skills that ground the person, calm them down and soothe them,” she said.

But raising wonder dogs isn’t cheap. It costs over $35,000 to train, feed, vaccinate and place a dog. Some of these exceptional canines will receive their Dogplomas in Martin Place at 12.30pm this Thursday.

To donate to ADA, go to www.assistancedogs.org.au.