Another exciting and highly engaging dog sport is agility. Agility is a fast paced sport where dogs navigate a timed course of obstacles such as jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and contact equipment while working closely with their handler. It is a true partnership sport that relies heavily on communication, timing, and trust between dog and handler. What makes agility so valuable is that it builds both physical and mental fitness.
Dogs learn body awareness, impulse control, and how to respond to cues in motion, all while channeling energy into structured, purposeful work. It also strengthens focus under distraction and improves overall handler engagement. Agility is adaptable to many different dogs, from high drive working breeds to family companions, as long as training is built thoughtfully and at the dog’s pace. At Dawgs at Work, we love agility because it combines structure, teamwork, and joy in a way that brings out the best in both ends of the leash.
Today we’re excited to introduce Brie, one of our incredible therapy dogs!
Brie is an almost 2-year-old Goldendoodle who completed her training through the Dawgs at Work program and now serves at the Winnebago County Medical Examiner’s Office. In this unique and meaningful role, Brie works alongside her handler team to provide comfort and support to individuals and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Whether responding to calls, visiting with grieving families, supporting funeral home staff, or offering a calming presence to the professionals she works alongside, Brie helps bring compassion, connection, and emotional support wherever she goes. Her gentle demeanor and intuitive nature make her an invaluable member of the team.
The work Brie does is a powerful reminder of the impact therapy dogs can have in providing comfort, hope, and reassurance when it is needed most.
We are incredibly proud of Brie and the difference she continues to make every day through her service, dedication, and unwavering compassion. Thank you for all you do, Brie!
Hydration plays a bigger role in your dog’s health than many people realize. Water supports joint health, digestion, body temperature regulation, circulation, and overall body function. Dogs do not always show obvious signs of dehydration early on, especially during warmer weather, after exercise, or with highly active dogs. Dry gums, lethargy, excessive panting, sunken eyes, or decreased skin elasticity can all be warning signs. Keeping fresh water available and paying attention to changes in drinking habits can provide important clues about your dog’s overall wellness.
One of the first foundational steps in the Canine Good Citizen pathway is ensuring your puppy has appropriate veterinary care, including a full exam and age appropriate vaccinations. This isn’t just a box to check for the program, it’s an essential part of setting your puppy up for a healthy, safe, and successful start in life.
A veterinary exam helps confirm overall health and development, while vaccines provide important protection as your puppy begins to explore the world and learn new skills. For training purposes, this step also reinforces responsible ownership and ensures puppies are physically ready for structured learning, social exposure, and early behavioral development.
At Dawgs at Work, we encourage all families to work closely with their veterinarian throughout the CGC journey, as health and behavior always go hand in hand. Next week we’ll move on to the next Star Puppy test item.
Today we’re excited to introduce Britta, one of our incredible therapy dogs!
Britta is a 3-year-old Goldendoodle who completed her training through the Dawgs at Work program and now serves at Ascension St. Francis Hospital. Her primary focus is supporting behavioral health and wellness, where she helps provide comfort, connection, and emotional support to patients, families, and staff.
With her gentle nature, calm presence, and love for people, Britta has a special way of helping others feel at ease during challenging moments. Whether she’s offering a quiet companion during a difficult day or bringing a smile to someone who needs it most, Britta demonstrates the powerful impact therapy dogs can have within healthcare settings.
We are incredibly proud of all that Britta has accomplished and grateful for the difference she continues to make in the lives of those she meets every day.
Thank you for being such an amazing ambassador for the therapy dog community, Britta!
