『Episode 12: Being in public with a service dog (Part 2) - Kaylee Kucher (Service Dog Handler & Trainer)』のカバーアート

Episode 12: Being in public with a service dog (Part 2) - Kaylee Kucher (Service Dog Handler & Trainer)

Episode 12: Being in public with a service dog (Part 2) - Kaylee Kucher (Service Dog Handler & Trainer)

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Podcast Description: Life with Service Dogs is a Canadian-based, limited series podcast that highlights the everyday challenges and triumphs service dogs and their handlers face. This podcast is informed by a research project titled “Supporting Canadian Veterans working with Service Dogs” led by Dr. Linzi Williamson (PhD, Assistant Professor in Psychology & Health Studies at the University of Saskatchewan) and an Advisory Committee consisting of Canadian Veterans and service dog trainers, providers, and researchers. This research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). This podcast is produced by host Dr. Linzi Williamson and Grace Rath (M.A., Service Dog Project Coordinator).Submitted Guest Bio: Kaylee Kucher is a service dog trainer and emerging industry leader based in Saskatoon, dedicated to advancing professional standards and accessibility within the assistance dog sector in Saskatchewan. In 2025, Kaylee graduated as part of the second graduating class of the Service Dog & Canine Studies Management Program at Medicine Hat College. This specialized program provides comprehensive education in service dog training, canine care, disability awareness, and business management. A defining component of the program is the hands-on experience of raising and training service dogs in real-world settings. Throughout her studies, Kaylee applied classroom theory directly to the development of college puppies in training, preparing them for successful careers as working service dogs before returning them to their respective organizations for placement. Toward the completion of her education, Kaylee had the opportunity to work with Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, one of Canada’s largest and most respected assistance dog schools. There, she further refined her practical skills while gaining valuable insight into the operational and ethical standards upheld by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). She trained and supported dogs across multiple programs, including Canine Vision, Facility Support, Autism Assistance, Hearing Alert, Service, Diabetic Alert, and Seizure Response. This experience solidified her commitment to maintaining high standards in training, welfare, and public trust within the assistance dog field. Kaylee’s foundation in the dog world extends beyond service work. For over six years, she has been actively involved in conformation dog shows, dog sports, and breeding, developing a deep understanding of structure, temperament, and purposeful, ethical breeding practices. In 2022, she partnered with her own medical alert service dog, Weston, a Golden Retriever whose impact profoundly shaped her professional direction. Living and working alongside Weston ignited her passion for service dog training and strengthened her commitment to ethical, science-based training practices and client-centered partnerships. Now back home in Saskatchewan, Kaylee is channeling her education, experience, and lifelong passion for dogs into building Saskatchewan’s first dedicated Service Dog School. Alongside program development, she actively collaborates with community members and industry professionals to advocate for accessibility, educate the public, and elevate local standards within the service dog sector. Through her work, Kaylee is committed to fostering professionalism, transparency, and excellence in assistance dog training across the province. Links Submitted by Guest: Weston's Public Instagram Account: @service_k9_weston ADI Website: Assistance Dogs International IGDF Website: Home - International Guide Dog Federation Episode Summary: In this episode, Kaylee starts by explaining how she got to where she is today with respect to service dogs and talks about her experience with the Medicine Hat College Service Dog and Canine Studies Management Program located in Alberta. She talks about working as a placement student with the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides in Ontario and training with dogs and prospective handlers. She provides an overview of how she understands Canada's service dog industry in terms of how it is currently operating and how it compares to other world regions. We discuss some of the challenges with the industry being largely unregulated, with varying service standards across regions and organizations, and how this can impact service dog teams. She shares her experiences living in different provinces across Canada and accessing public spaces with her service dog. She even shares some examples when she's had to educate folks and advocate for herself and her dog. We discuss how it can be burdensome for handlers to constantly educate the public on service dog team rights, especially when information isn't always accurate or accessible. Finally, Kaylee shares her perspectives on what she'd like to see happen with Canada's service dog ...
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