Meet LSU’s ‘puppy raisers:’ students who train service dogs for people with disabilities

In the middle of LSU’s Quad on Wednesday afternoon, three dogs sported bright yellow “future service dog” vests, eagerly waiting to get their photos taken.

One-year-old Jerry sat patiently, obviously at home among the shuffling crowds of students leaving class for the evening.

Ten-week old Tonic and Tai? Not so much.

The younger puppies toppled each over restlessly in a wagon. Their trainers waited nearby, treats in hand.

It’s all part of the process.

The dogs are part of STEP (Service Dog Training and Education Program) at LSU, a new campus organization that lets students raise future service dogs.

Ariana Tashakkori, a senior studying renewable natural resources, co-founded STEP at LSU last year and serves as president for the growing club.

The Canine Companions organization provides students, who are known as “puppy raisers,” with labrador/golden retriever-mix puppies. Over six to 18 months, the students train the future service dogs in basic manners and over 30 different commands.

Once students finish the puppy raising period, the dogs go off to professional training and get matched to a person with disabilities.

“People are eager to learn about service dogs and how to act around them and how to train them and just get involved,” Tashakkori said. “It’s something that’s really important to me, especially just recognizing individuals with disabilities and treating them with respect.”

Before receiving a puppy, students undergo training provided by the club. They also receive financial support and supplies, including free food, for the dogs.

At club meetings, members learn about disability etiquette and can participate in other dog-related activities. In the past, members have created dog toys that were later donated to Companion Animal Alliance.

There are currently five dogs being looked after by members of STEP – including Jerry, who is being raised by Tashakkori. Applications to raise a puppy open in the spring, but Tashakkori said they hope to start doing it every semester.

Not every club member is a puppy raiser – some students will “puppy sit” for the raisers when they need a break.

“You don’t really have to have any experience to go into this. You just have to be committed to the process.”

Once a puppy is old enough, they accompany the student “everywhere.” Tashakkori said the program is especially successful on a college campus, where the dogs can experience the busy life of students.

“They’ll go through classes, and in classes, they’ll have to learn not to get distracted by people walking by or by noises, and they’ll have to learn to settle in a small space so that they’re not in people’s way, and they’ll go to (the Student Union) and see big crowds, which desensitizes them,” she said. “Even things like soccer games is important for them to experience, because they will have to accompany their handler there one day.”

Emily Hausman co-raises Tai with her roommate, Emma Ryan, who is also the treasurer of the club. The coastal environment sophomores split dog responsibilities and take turns teaching Tai different commands.

While the club has taught them more responsibility, they said the biggest takeaway has been learning about disability advocacy and the work that goes into training the dogs.

“We learned a lot just like on the disability aspect and a lot about what service dogs do,” Hausman said.

Cori Bertrand has always wanted to be a veterinarian. The LSU junior serves as vice president of STEP at LSU and is currently training Tai’s brother, Tonic, to lay down on command and sit for long periods of time.

Bertrand said the club is beneficial for anyone wanting to practice their animal training skills.

“You have to dedicate a lot of time and be willing to give (the dog) up in the end, because he’s not going to be mine forever,” she said. “You have to be willing to accept the loss, but also it’s worth it.”