Choya's page - Canines with a Cause

Choya - Certified Service Dog

Name: Choya
DOB: - June 6, 1999
Breed: Golden Retriever
Handler: Peter Platt
Certification Date: October 21, 2005
Type of Assistance Dog: Psychiatric Service Dog
Sponsors: IN NEED OF SPONSOR

Update October 21, 2005: Peter and Choya have successfully passed the level of certification required by CWAC. They are the 1st Psychiatric Service Dog team certified by CWAC and we hope a model to future teams in this new area of Assistance Dogs.

As Peter suffers from Post Traumatic Stress disorder, Choya assists in areas such as recognizing when handler's level of anxiety and stress is building up and indicating the need to exit the building. He is able to find the nearest exit when given the command 'Find the door' as well as in a parking lot able to locate their vehicle with the command 'Find the car'. Choya brings a calming influence in situations where there is a lot of noise and are very crowded. He is able to help create some needed space around the handler when that's required as well. Choya alerts his handler when someone is walking behind him by turning around. He is a wonderful canine with great adaptability and disposition.

Congratulations Peter & Choya!

Peter & Choya with volunteers Julie & Viola who assisted the instructor, Miriam Mas during testing towards certification

Choya being handled by Lt John Croteau from Fire Department at Fire Station # 11 in Ottawa during a training session with simulation of emergency situation.

Peter during the written test (1 of 3 tests) prior to certification.

Peter & Choya during 2nd test (Special Skills Test) at the Mall ready to get into the elevator

Peter and Choya exiting the mall after Peter gave the command 'Find the door'

Security Guard at Mall handling Choya who remains very collected and calm at the sight of a stranger in uniform taking the leash and bringing him away from Peter. This would be a normal procedure in case of emergency situation.

Choya with Team at Fire Station # 11 - 135 Preston Rd. Ottawa ON

Peter & Choya during a training outing.

Peter & Choya during testing at the mall.

Peter & Choya walking into the cinema during a training session.

Peter & Choya during testing at restaurant where food was around for Choya's distractions. He remained collected and did not get near or tried to eat it.

Choya inside the cinema. He remained calm throughout the loud noises in the darkness for the whole length of the movie.

Peter and Choya - summer 2005

Choya - during a training session at the mall. Practicing the commands 'Under' (table) to be as unobtrusive as possible while in public as well as the command 'Leave it' when there is food around.

Choya - during the same training session. The dog biscuit is near by. He remained under control for the 20 minutes that we were there.

Peter and Choya during a training session at the mall allowing for safe interaction with children. This is an important exercise for Choya as he must remain calmed and under control under all circumstances when his working vest is on. Choya adores children and he definitely knows to be in his best behavior while at work.