Service Dog Breeder for the deaf needs a group of "children exposure" for quiet petting, playing and sweet puppy kisses for 21+/- puppies who are service dog candidates for the deaf or disabled.  This opportunity is only open to children ages 9 & up. 

This is a 7 week class that starts MondayNovember 6 and meets weekly:

Nov 6, 11:00 - 1:00PM

Nov 13, 11:00 - 1:00PM

Nov 20, 11:00 - 1:00PM

Nov 27, 11:00 - 1:00PM

Dec 4 11:00 - 1:00 PM

Dec 11, 11:00 - 1:00 PM

These dogs will be provided for FREE to any member of our community who is deaf or disabled and in need of a service dog.  

We are looking for  families volunteers who desire to learn about "service dog desensitization/exposure period" and small BUT critically important, touches that improve the quality of life of future of service dog candidates. These techniques and exposures allow for better chances of completing service dog training and moving them towards service dog work at 2.5 years old when they actually begin working.  

This event will be held at Lemon Drop Farms and is an outdoor event. and spread out over 3 acres. You will want to dress accordingly. Alabama weather is unpredicatable.  Pastor Glen is setting up bonfires on the farm for warmth and you may also bring marshmallows, or weenies to roast over the flames (with adult supervison). Naturally each family must bring their own picnic supplies (picnic folding chairs  pop up umbrella, etc if they desire) and roasting implements, food item, and beverages.

An agility course will be set up for those who want to work with older service dog candidates.

A dog grooming class will be offered for those interested in learning about Canine grooming by professional groomer, Mrs. Chartina Short owner of Grooming Salon "Farm Dog and Pretty Paws".

Things you will need:

• 1.5 hours a week for 7 weeks . The first and final 15 minutes is perimeter set up (or take down) and emotional quiet preparation as pups are mirror projections of what each child volunteer is feeling. 
• A collective group of 25 families  wanting to learn about service dogs and aid in training. 
• A nylon or boar brush dog brush or small hand size horse brush.  
• An acceptable for of puppy confinement: Cardboard box (unless its raining) , puppy play pen or infant play pen, Portable puppy pens,  Portable Pop up tents 
• A dog brush or xsmall horse brush = this recreates the licking feeling a mother dog performs on her pup and allows the pup to feel secure and calm.
• Adult helper will need rubber gloves, and small bag to pick up small poops or wet messes within perimeter.  
• Adult helper must help remind child volunteer that sitting or lying down while handling pup is two allowed positions. Absolutely no standing while holding a pup to prevent trauma, injury, or death. 
•  A towel to sit or lie on while spending time with pup. 

Let is know if any student is  in need of a  service dog due to documented:  

1. Autism 

2. Anxiety panic attacks 

3. Night terrors 

4. Diabetes, etc 

 If you have allergies towards dogs, please consult your allergist or doctors as scientifically there is no such dog breed that is truly hypoallergenic.  

The Poodle is the closest breed to the definition however.  The decision to participate is solely on the parents and the medical advise of their practitioner. 

A maximum of two children per group or puppy play pen SO LONG as the parent is hands on and not just watching. It is imperative that the puppy is not injured or killed.

Please bring a notepad and pencil if you decide to continue to use this class as part of your curriculum. There is no budget for handouts. 

You will learn a few sign language signs to communicate with deaf such as  ASL signing and finger spelling, Proper signing of greetings and farewells, Small talk using sign language   

Dress Code: 

Long pants preferable jeans if they have them, closed toe shoes, and long sleeve.   Puppies fingernails are extremely sharp and sometimes their teeth are as well depending on how far along the teeth have developed.

Thank you for volunteering your time and effort to learn about service dogs, what their functions are, how to care or react to service dogs encountered in public, and why desensitization/exposure is important at this age.   

Lemon Drop Farm

Rev. Glenn and Mrs. Rhodora Self

318 County Road 811

Cullman, Alabama 35057

Driving instructions:

1. Travel hwy 278 west towards Jones Chapel or Double Springs

2. Turn left at Spring Hill Grocer (or set GPS to Spring Hill Grocer) at County Road 813.

3. Travel 2 miles

4. Big pond will be on the left when you turn right onto a gravel road called County Road 811

5. Do not travel faster than 10 to 15 mph while on County Road 811

6. Upon turning right at County Road 811 immediately begin counting 4 gravel driveways on your right including abandoned home

7. At 4th gravel driveway there will be a green sign on mailbox 📮 stating 318 County Road 811 and three green county trash cans

8. Make a right onto that 4th driveway and follow the road past the mobile home until it deadends at a white home on top of small hill.

9. Watch for running dogs and children

10. Park in circular gravel driveway

Remember we are deaf so please email or text message us regarding questions.

●Servicedog.traineroba@gmail.com

●256 709 2029