Fostering Future Heroes: Jennifer Kostoff and Metro's Journey to Service Dog Training

Every service dog begins with a foundation of patience, training, and socialization. Jennifer Kostoff in Troy, MI, exemplifies this by volunteering as a foster caregiver for Paws with a Cause-Service Dogs. Her dedication to raising Metro, a 4 1/2-month-old Labrador puppy, highlights the importance of early experiences in shaping future service dogs. Metro's journey focuses on building the skills and confidence necessary to support people with disabilities.

Metro, the 4 1/2-month-old Labrador puppy, during an outdoor training session

The Role of a Foster Caregiver in Service Dog Training

Fostering a service dog puppy involves more than pet care. Jennifer teaches Metro basic obedience, social skills, and exposes him to various environments to prepare him for future service challenges.

Jennifer takes Metro on outings to places like grocery stores, parks, and transportation hubs to acclimate Metro to various environments. During a recent visit to Detroit Metro Airport, Metro's calm behavior and training impressed many and earned a feature on the airport’s Facebook page.

The Timeline of Metro’s Training Journey

Jennifer will foster Metro until August 2026, after which Metro will return to Paws with a Cause for advanced service dog training. This period allows Metro to mature adequately for future responsibilities.

During this period, Jennifer’s daily care and training lay the groundwork for Metro’s success. She focuses on:

• Basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come

• Socializing with people and other animals

• Exposure to different environments and situations

• Building trust and a strong bond with humans

  
  

These steps are essential before Metro moves on to specialized training tailored to assist individuals with disabilities.

How You Can Support Service Dog Programs

Jennifer’s story highlights the importance of community involvement in service dog training. If you want to support programs like Paws with a Cause, consider these options:

• Volunteer as a foster caregiver

• Donate to service dog organizations

• Attend local events to raise awareness

• Advocate for service dog access and rights

  
  

Every contribution helps bring more service dogs like Metro into the lives of people who need them.