Canine Companions dog (we can’t call him a puppy anymore), Miller, has almost completed the first three months of professional training. In this time, he’s been building on the commands he learned as a puppy, as well as learning the working commands that he’ll put into use if he succeeds in the program and is matched with a child, adult or veteran with a disability.
Miller’s days in professional training have been filled with excitement! He starts the day with breakfast and then hits the books with his professional instructor, Kim. Miller thinks she’s great – a top-dog, one might even say. 
They spend each day practicing a mix of familiar and new commands. Every morning, Miller looks forward to practicing his favorite new command, “pull.” These sessions are half training and half workout: Miller gets to go for a trot while his trainer holds onto his specially designed pull-harness so that he can help propel her in a manual wheelchair. 
As a finished command, pull can help individuals who use wheelchairs by relieving strain on the shoulders and freeing a hand to hold items as they head towards their destination. For his part, Miller thinks the practice sessions are a blast!
When Miller is not working with his trainer, he gets to play with other dogs in professional training, nap or be pampered with a grooming session. What a lucky dog!
If all goes as planned, and Miller continues the path to become an assistance dog, it could be just a few more months before he meets his future graduate and gets to work enhancing the independence of a person with a disability. Until then, Miller will continue his daily routine full of his favorite things: eating, sleeping, working, snuggles and play.
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