Assistance Dogs International Accreditation
NEADS is proud to be an active member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), the internationally recognized governing body that establishes industry standards and practices. ADI provides accreditation for canine assistance organizations that meet a selective set of criteria, including standards of excellence in the acquisition, training, and partnership of Assistance Dogs. NEADS clients are expected to maintain the minimum standards that ADI sets.
Visit the ADI website for more information on current standards of training for Service Dogs and their partners.
Our dogs love to work. The behaviors we teach are inherently fun for them (like tugging on a rope or running to a sound), so the dogs learn to associate work with having a good time. As a puppy grows and learns, each positive experience influences future behaviors.
During early training, food is the primary reward that reinforces good behavior – this capitalizes on a common motivator for dogs. As time goes on, the food is reduced or replaced with other incentives so that the dog will work even when there is no food reward. Whether it’s a scratch on the chest or a chance to play ball, the dog knows that something good is coming. As a result, working is fun for both the dog and the human, which ensures a happy working relationship for many years to come.
NEADS dogs are taught a list of core commands, and they follow a basic training schedule throughout puppyhood. However, once a dog is nearing completion of the program and is matched with a specific client, the dog’s training is tailored to the client’s unique needs. After the client experiences 10-14 days of training with a skilled instructor, they can barely remember a time when the dog wasn’t a part of their life.
Our organization has trained Service Dog Teams for over 40 years. Through research and experience, our instructors remain up to date with current training methods and trends in the industry. We routinely explore new dog breeds and new tasks to make certain that we are meeting the needs of our clients. Most importantly, we raise and train the perfect working partner for each of our clients.
Laura J. Niles Early Learning Center
The Laura J. Niles Early Learning Center for puppies is an integral part of NEADS.
A solid foundation in socialization is essential to each puppy’s success as a Service Dog. Most puppies arrive at the NEADS Early Learning Center at the age of approximately eight weeks. We acquire most of our puppies from guide dog organizations, other service dog organizations, and private breeders. We sometimes work with local shelters to acquire puppies for our hearing dog program. Learn more here.
Prison PUP Program
90-95% of NEADS puppies are trained in 6 correctional facilities throughout New England. Our statistics show that, under the guidance of NEADS staff, inmates are able to provide consistent training at a high level simply because of the amount of time they are able to devote to the dogs. This enables us to place dogs faster with people in need. Learn more here.