ICAN service dogs provide support for Indiana veterans
As the nation honors veterans throughout November, the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) is highlighting the life-changing impact service dogs can have on people living with disabilities.
Pet Pals TV host Patty Spitler spoke with Emily Shryock, training manager at ICAN, to discuss the organization’s work supporting veterans through highly trained service dogs. Shryock was joined by Wick, a service dog currently completing his training.
Founded in December 2002, ICAN works with Indiana residents living with disabilities, training service dogs for adults, children and veterans. The organization was founded by Dr. Sally Irvin, who recognized the positive impact service dogs can have on individuals and their communities.
Shryock, who has been involved with ICAN in various roles since 2006, works directly with veteran clients and helps oversee canine training.
“Our primary placements relate to people who have mobility disabilities. So that might be somebody who uses a wheelchair, but not necessarily. As well as our psychiatric service dogs, which we play specifically with our veterans,” Shryock said.
She explained that selecting and training a service dog involves more than teaching basic commands. Dogs must be able to form strong connections with their handlers while remaining calm and confident in a variety of public environments.
ICAN uses positive reinforcement during training to help dogs enjoy their work and stay motivated. They also learn the manners and skills needed to assist their future partners in public settings.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, trained service dogs are permitted in public places where their handlers are allowed. However, Shryock emphasized that becoming a service dog requires extensive preparation. ICAN dogs typically complete about two years of training before being placed with their partners.
Wick is nearing the final stage of that process. He is expected to be matched with his future handler in January, with the goal of graduating together as a team in April.
To learn more about ICAN, its service dog program and the veterans it serves, visit icandog.org.
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