What’s the difference between “puppy school” and advanced training?

When the pups are growing up, volunteers like me take them to class twice a month where we learn from a professional dog trainer how to teach the pups basic commands (about 30 commands in all) and begin the socialization process. Socialization is a fancy word for getting the dogs used to being around other dogs and people in different environments while remaining under control. This lasts from when the pups are 8 or 9 weeks old until they are about 1.5 years old. I call this “puppy school” as a fun way to reference that phase of their training.

The next phase is like the pups going off to college! Puppy raisers like me return the dogs—or “Turn in” the dogs—to the service dog organization where they begin advanced training with professional dog trainers. Giving a dog back can be an emotional experience and why Tella’s friends were “blue” in the book. Over the course of raising the pups we can get quite attached, we love them dearly and are so proud of them continuing on their journey. My mom cried when she dropped me off at college :) I love you mom!