Service Dogs
The special dogs of Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) are healthy, calm and affectionate Golden and Labrador Retrievers, each one carefully bred, nurtured and trained to excel at their future roles.
They begin their journeys to become service dogs for disabled combat Veterans at the WCC Puppy Enrichment Center in rural Boyds, Maryland. During the first few months of the puppies’ lives, a team of Warrior trainers and civilian volunteers spend many hours socializing them, which is a critical step in their training.
At three months of age, each puppy is placed with carefully selected puppy “parents.” These special people make the commitment to care for the dogs in their homes until they are approximately two years old. Many of these volunteers are staff members at DoD and VA medical facilities who bring the dogs to work every day. There, the dogs work with wounded Warriors who are participating in therapeutic service dog training programs.
When each dog has completed their training and health screenings, they are partnered with combat Veterans with disabilities.