UNITED
JOSHUA
FOR
DOG TRAINING
Josh started training service dogs for 4 Paws for Ability in May of 2015. So far, he has trained 55 dogs. Once the dogs are potty trained and know their basic commands, he teaches them tricks that will help their future partners. For example, if a child needs a seizure alert dog, Josh will train the dog how to respond to a seizure. If you would like to learn more about 4 Paws and their mission, please check out this website here.
Training dogs is one of Josh's biggest passions. Although he has to take the puppies out every half hour (and clean up after them), he adores having the dogs with him 24/7. The animals have taught Josh a lesson or two in patience, responsibility, and compassion. Once a year, Josh gets to spend some time with his family to celebrate his achievements in the dog program.
In November of 2016, Josh's dog, Diego, was matched with Kiara, a young woman from Michigan who suffers from cri du chat syndrome. Kiara has had over 130 surgeries and takes more than 35 medications daily. Diego makes her life a lot easier. Josh is ecstatic to know that he had a little part in training Diego and helping him become the service dog he needed to be.
Diego
Diego
Josh is very fortunate, because Kiara's mom keeps him up-to-date about Kiara and Diego's lives.
This video shows Josh teaching Yu-Gi-Oh how to 'speak' and 'give paw' in August of 2015.
Due to his involvement with 4 Paws, Josh has become a certified animal trainer.
Here is a list of all the 4 Paws dogs that Josh has trained as well as the timeframes during which he had them and the litters they came from.
