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Programs In alignment with its mission of the training and subsequent placement of special service dogs, Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment (C.O.P.E.) changes the lives of both youth and people with disabilities, through the following programs: High Schooled Assistance Dog Programs • “Young Minds” Early Puppy Training Program - youth are matched with C.O.P.E. puppies 2-9 months of age and are taught how to care for and train them on 90 service dog commands that involve such tasks as: turning on lights, opening and closing doors to retrieve out of reach items etc. The youth and puppies work together, both in the high school setting and on “public access” field trips in the community. • L.E.A.D - Leader Education Assistance Dog Program – youth are matched with C.O.P.E. dogs over 9 months of age and learn how to become therapy teams while continuing to reinforce and practice the service dog commands. The youth/dog teams help elementary school children with reading and math skills and provide therapeutic interactions with those in healing at hospitals and in homes. Service Dog Placement Program • after assessment and an intensive 2-week team training camp that involves theoretical and practical work both in the home and in the community, the C.O.P.E. dogs are placed with their life partners who have disabilities. Follow – up support is provided by C.O.P.E. Through these unique and powerful programs here in Canada, C.O.P.E. has started to document results beyond the many outstanding anecdotal reports of positive changes noted by parents, teachers, counselors, doctors and the teen participants themselves. Results from surveys completed by parents, teachers and student participants of the past school year are as follows: On a continuum with possible answers from “yes”, “sometimes”, “a little bit” to “no”, of the students who participated in the program: - 100% answered ‘yes’ or ‘sometimes’ to improving their abilities to work and get along with others. - 100% answered ‘yes’ or ‘sometimes’ to improving their confidence. - 100% answered ‘yes’ or ‘sometimes’ to becoming more responsible. - 93% answered ‘yes’ or ‘sometimes’ to improving their patience. On a continuum with possible answers from “very much”, “somewhat”, “occasionally” to “not observed”, of the parents and teachers of the student participants : - 69% observed “very much” or “somewhat” that the teens demonstrated improved leaderships skills. - 64% observed “very much” or “somewhat” that the teens were more willing to share personal experiences - 55% observed “very much” or “somewhat” that the teens have become more confident - 49% observed “very much” or “somewhat” that the teens show improved social skills 48% observed “very much” or “somewhat” that the teens show more compassion/empathy For more information on how you can help contact: C.O.P.E. Service Dogs P.O. Box 20035 Barrie, Ontario Canada L4M 6E9 Email: info@copedogs.org Phone: (705) 734-COPE (2673) |
