Eight service dogs in training travelled to Washington, DC on April 8th for a five day training retreat. The nation's capital was a perfect setting for the puppies to practice skills such as: airplane flights, subway rides, cab rides, large crowds, new sights, new smells and new sounds.
Foster families, trainers and puppies rode on an open tour bus to see historic sites like the Capitol, White House, Pentagon, Washington monument and so much more.
The group toured the moving Arlington National Cemetary, World War II memorial, Vietnam memorial, Lincoln Monument, Jefferson Monument and the National Mall. A special time to honor those that serve our country, and a significant reminder why Puppy Jake volunteers work as hard as they do.
The retreat included the Smithsonian with half day in the Museum of Natural History and the Air and Space Museum. So many training opportunities for the dogs to experience.
An evening in historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia with dinner at Chadwicks resulted in sleeping puppies and hungry humans. Georgetown proved to be an interesting and exciting training experience as well. The trip to Washington, DC was just one phase of the professional training for these eight service dogs. Much more work and training lies ahead for them, as they continue their journey to become a service dog for a wounded military veteran.
