About Laurie Luck, CPDT Page

Talos, Service Pup in Training

Talos is the latest service pup in training from Service Dogs of Virginia. The first Great Dane we've raised, Talos is proving to be quite the fun guy. He's definitely different from the Labradors we're used to raising! We call him the baby dinosaur!

Talos arrived Memorial Day weekend (2009). We still sometimes pinch ourselves when we realize we've got a real Great Dane in the house.

He's been to the grocery store, chain stores, big-box stores, Chamber of Commerce meetings, 6-hour meetings, the library, a cafeteria, in a freight elevator, and visited a government campus. We're planning to introduce him to restaurants, movie theatres, and Metro shortly.

He also spends two half-days each week at a local doggie daycare to help further his doggie social skills. Expected to reach 150 pounds, it's essential that Talos get along with and is relaxed around other dogs.

We're stopped frequently when out in public because Talos is (1) a puppy, (2) has striking crystal blue eyes, and (3) is quite <ahem> interesting looking. (That's a nice way of saying he looks odd.) Kids are frequently overheard saying "Look Mommy, there's a cow!" We're happy to stop and visit with folks - it helps with Talos' social skills and gives him a good chance to practice his manners.

Keep an eye on this spot, we'll have frequent updates. For lots more on Talos, visit the Smart Dog Blog, where we'll chronicle his development into a service dog.