Paw prints: Local organization advocates for service, therapy dogs

Since she was 8, Lisa Kia has often had a dog attached to her hip. Through her father's guidance, she trained them to not only be her best friend but to also help others.

Years later Kia owns Allegiance K9 Dog Training where she and her team advocate for the representation of service and therapy dogs within the region. Kia said they have recently created a therapy dog team that visits colleges, elderly homes and Cannon Air Force Base.

"To me I think that's where the industry is moving. I think everybody is realizing how much dogs help us heal from our past trauma," Kia said.

Kia said people within the military are often looked over when it comes to mental health. She said her goal is to help ease airmen into the Clovis area and relieve them from their worries.

Trainer Jaedyn Ortiz said his therapy dogs, Saydi and Tazz, have changed how he interacts with the outside world. Ortiz said he struggles with severe anxiety and his dogs help him find confidence.

Most of the business' trainers said they share Ortiz's experience -- the dogs not only improve the community, they change the trainers' lives as well.

Kia provides some advice for individuals who want to put their dog through behavioral training:

• Patience and kindness. Training any animal is a long process that requires not only the dog's attention but also the owner's. Kia said it isn't an easy feat to train your dog, but you can't give up.

• Consistency is key. Kia said sometimes the hardest part isn't training the dog, but instead is teaching the owner to train. She said owners should always look to stay consistent with their training.

• No dog is the same. Kia said owners should always try to evaluate their pet's personality, to see what the pet can handle with each lesson.

Kia said she laughs whenever she hears someone say "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." She said that statement is further from the truth than people realize.

"We've taught a lot of old dogs and they are just as focused and hardworking than any other pup," Kia said.

Madison Willis writes about animals for The Eastern New Mexico News. To suggest a story or nominate a "Pet of the week," contact her at: [email protected]