In December 2008 Paula Edrich and her family took Baron into their home as part of the Canine Helpers puppy raising programme. Baron was socialized with other dogs, children and people from the time he joined the family. He attended basic obedience classes at Gold Coast Obedience Club and socialization and training with Pets for Therapy from 6 months of age.
At home Paula was busy working with Baron on his assistance skills, which he picked up fairly quickly. The family took Baron on outings on a daily basis so he became well socialized and used to a number of different environments. He particularly enjoyed the outdoor settings and mixing with the children at the sports clubs.
Although Baron demonstrated intelligence and keenness in his learning and possesses a beautiful temperament he was deemed unsuitable for most service dog roles due to his timid demeanor with large crowds and high noise sensitivity in shopping centres and other noisy public environments.
Baron now resides with the Edrich family and is a much loved family pet. He also accompanies Paula, Gypsy (14 year old Belgian Shepherd) and Zak, her 6 year old son on some of the Pets for Therapy visits. Baron continues with his obedience training and enjoys socializing and learning new tricks with the Pets for Therapy group and at home he keeps up some of his learned assistance skills – collecting the mail, opening and closing doors, helping with the washing etc.
