In this issue we focus on helper dogs, those who help fellow canines become their best selves. Canine-to-canine interaction is tremendously important for socialization, and also aids the human trainer and caretaker/handler. Some different modes of helping are greeter, worker, teacher.

There are many situations when dogs can benefit from assistance from another dog. Puppies need to learn how to be dogs. Shy and unsocialized dogs need to gain confidence. Dogs exhibiting unchecked high emotion or an aggressive manner of play must learn to be calm. In the rescue community we see a wide variety of behaviors, especially as most of our dogs come out of shelters where stress both inhibits and exacerbates natural dog behavior.

While assessing dogs for FosterSouthLA, Mia recognized Sadie's friendly and inviting nature helping new dogs acclimate to the shelter environment in play groups. Her emotional balance led to her selection, by Mia, into the program where she now helps with some of the young dogs in our care. Sadie reminded Mia a little bit of her own dog, Oreo, in her mode of helping other dogs.

For ten years, the "queen" of helper dogs was Mia's own Oreo. She had, as Mia explains it, "the perfect mix of confidence, dominance, and playfulness." First and foremost, Oreo was an amazing teacher. She worked really difficult dogs without ever overreacting. To be an excellent helper dog, it's necessary to possess the qualities of stability and emotional balance. This describes Oreo perfectly. She is greatly missed, but one of her proteges, Hannah, is on the job.

Even at six weeks old, Hannah was extremely confident and dominant within her litter. Mia recognized this puppy had qualities that could make her a natural helper. There is no way of knowing if a dog will "work;" all you can do is provide a lot of socialization and see if they take on the teacher role. Hannah is particularly good at correcting dogs that are too aggressive or have a rough style of play. She works to calm dogs with these behaviors, and helps them regulate their emotions. Hannah is also very playful and often acts as "camp counselor" at BMD.

King, Mia's "perfect dog," exemplifies another type of helper. He has a softer temperament than either Oreo or Hannah, and excels at socializing dogs. King works his magic with his friendly, social, and tolerant manner. He's not interested in dogs that are too boisterous; he shines at bringing shy or scared dogs out of their shells. He teaches puppies to be dogs. He doesn't challenge them, rather he shows them how to behave around other dogs and they learn from him.

There are several types of helpers in the canine world. All are teachers, some work as greeters, some specialize in correcting dog behavior, and some bring out the social and playful nature of their fellow dogs. It requires a stable personality, emotional balance, and the ability to self regulate. Being a helper - or worker - is instinctive; it can't be taught. A trainer or behaviorist will expose a potential helper dog to different social behaviors, but it's the dog who decides whether they want to work or not. It is a privilege to witness Oreo, King, Hannah and Sadie choose to and excel in such a critical role in dog rescue.