#Skipper dog how to
#Skipper dog free

People often talk about the love between an owner and their pet, but the love between a Service Dog and their human is the greatest love one can imagine. It has only been three months with Skipper, but I cannot imagine life without him. At home, lights are turned on and off for me, and doors are opened and closed.īut the most important thing that Skipper has given me is the confidence to go out into the world and be a normal person again, leaving my handicap behind. From that point on it was exported throughout the world. The breed became very popular in Belgian households by the late 1800s.

#Skipper dog how to

I no longer have to figure how to maneuver my scooter to press the door access button and to get in before it closes, because Skipper is always ready with a paw to push the button. They earned the nickname 'Little Captain' and 'Little Skipper' because the dogs were the 'ratters,' a very important function on a canal barge, and also usually the captain's dog. I know if I drop my keys or wallet, my partner will be there to pick them up. After two weeks of training, I came home with Skipper, and although I knew my life would change, I had no idea how drastic that change would be. Read more about the Schipperke on Dogster.When I first found out that NEADS had a Service Dog for me, I will admit that I got excited, but when I was told his name was Skipper, I knew as a Navy Veteran this match was meant to be. The first Schipperke came to America in the late 1800s, but the breed didn’t really catch on until the Schipperke Club of America was founded in 1929. Not just popular on boats, Schipperkes also worked with shoemakers and other shopkeepers across Belgium as guard dogs and ratters. Named after the Flemish word for “little skipper,” Schipperkes were bred by Belgian boat captains to guard unattended boats, keep rats away and provide companionship. During spring and fall shedding seasons, Schipperkes do shed, so have plenty of lint brushes handy. Their long, thick coats need regular brushing, but Schipperkes keep themselves fairly clean. Common health issues include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts and other eye problems.

#Skipper dog free

If you can allow them to run free in a controlled space, they will definitely have a blast.Ī healthy Schipperke can live as long as 15 years. They are naturally curious and independent, so always keep them on a leash in public. Once they realize everything is A-okay, they will loosen up and join the party. Because of this, they can seem a little reserved with new people.

And if you happen to own a boat, this could be your ideal second mate. In spite of their size, they make excellent watchdogs. Used for hundreds of years to guard barges from thieves and rats, Schipperkes have a built-in protectiveness. Tirelessly active, they will happily keep pace with the most intense joggers. They love playing games on the carpet, but they really love to run and play outside. Small and friendly and polite, they make good use of small spaces, running in and out of rooms to satisfy their curiosity. Schipperkes are ideal for apartment living. They get along famously with children and other pets, including cats, and they form strong bonds with their families. Loving and warm, they are eager to please, easy to train and somewhat feisty. Schipperkes combine a solid work ethic with a sense of fun. They move along with a smooth, nimble gait. Their wedge-shaped heads have pointed ears and fox-like faces, and they have small, dark eyes that give off an inquisitive expression.

These thick coats grow in several different lengths around the body, including a thick ruff around the neck. Schipperkes have small, cobby, square-built bodies covered in long, harsh coats that usually come in black, but can also be found in brown, tan and red.