(CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo.) — A group of well-trained pups got a paws-itively unique experience on the Cripple Creek railroad.
“Today, we’re giving the dogs an extra experience,” said Pamela Leland, owner of the Colorado Springs Dog Training Company. “These dogs are very well trained. They’ve been through all levels of the Canine Good Citizen Class. They’ve earned their titles. And once we train our dog to do really advanced things, we want to let them go, apply that out into the community.”
This experience allowed the pups to see, smell, and feel the “chew-chew” of Cripple Creek’s Narrow Gauge Railroad. For some, it’s just one of many unexpected experiences the dog will encounter during their time as a service animal.
“Service dogs need as much training and experience as any other dog. As a matter of fact, they need that special attention with their owner to go special places,” said Leland. “And service dogs really need to be invisible, that they’re just well-mannered and don’t draw attention to them in a negative way. I cannot encourage people more to train their dogs.”