Meet Clover!

Meet Clover, a service dog-in-training.

Clover was diligently selected by CPT Head Trainer Mark Spivak, using CPT’s scientifically supported litter evaluation process. CPT’s proprietary litter evaluation protocol has demonstrated a very high rate of longitudinal accuracy. The evaluation protocol assesses temperament, aptitude, structure, health, affiliation, social confidence, environmental confidence, proprioceptive confidence, acceptance of tactile contact, and several other variables pertinent to stellar service dog performance.

Once Clover reached 8 weeks of age, whereby he was old enough for removal from his litter, he began a board train at the home of CPT Trainer Claire Sims. During Clover’s 1st Stage Board Train, Claire focused on educating Clover on housebreaking, household manners, interspecies socialization (human, cat), intraspecies socialization, environmental socialization, proprioceptive confidence and competence, imprint obedience, and basic obedience. Clover’s training included time inside and outside Claire’s residence and road trips to grocery stores, coffee shops, and other relevant public access venues.

Yet, from Clover’s perspective, the highlight of his board train was socializing and playing with Claire’s cats.

By living with a CPT Trainer, Clover progressed quickly, whereupon he was prepared for immersion in the owner’s home. Furthermore, Clover is prepared to commence his 2nd Stage of training, during which the owner and CPT will expose Clover to more environments and higher levels of obedience. Obedience provides the foundation for proficient service dog work.

When Clover is 14 – 16 months of age, he will commence his 3rd Stage of Training, where CPT will focus on teaching him a customized suite of service dog task behaviors that best improves the owner’s quality of life.

After his time with Claire, Clover is already a well-behaved, confident dog and a wonderful companion. Most importantly, he has a solid foundation to become an amazing service animal.