Briar Cliff welcomes a new service dog in training

Briar Cliff has been participating in helping prepare dogs to become service dogs for some time. The most recent addition to campus, Jagger, has been training for the past few months to prepare to assist a veteran in need.   

Jagger is owned and trained by Assistant Professor of Business Administration, Scott Griffith and his wife Katie Griffith in collaboration with Partners for Patriots in Anthon, IA.   

Jagger is not the first dog they have trained. A few years ago, they trained their first dog, a golden retriever named Cliff, who they had for around six months. They chose to work with Partners for Patriots as Scott is a retired Air Force pilot, and their passion for training service dogs comes from the need to help veterans.  

"My daughter and I have been active in raising puppies for service dogs for years, and Briar Cliff gave us the perfect opportunity to continue that work with Jagger," said Katie Griffith.   

Jagger, a black labradoodle, came from a breeder in Missouri and was selected by the couple in early July.   

"The breeder donates one or two dogs per liter for service work, and Jagger stood out,” said Katie Griffith. “We have been training him at Briar Cliff, and he’s really doing well, able to relax and focus on his training."  

Training for a service dog includes fundamental obedience skills and exposure to different surroundings, and scenarios.   

"We take them everywhere from stores, to campus, and other public spaces, so they get used to anything,” said Katie Griffith. “They learn to stay on a leash, be aware of their surroundings, and assist their owners in different ways, like opening doors, retrieving items, and even providing balance for someone with mobility issues.”  

Jagger’s connection to Briar Cliff started with Scott Griffith’s role in the Business Administration Department. He hopes to start a club where a group of students are dedicated to puppy raising and service dog training.   

"I am hoping for a team of about six students who will take turns working with Jagger, helping expose him to different experiences and assist in his development," said Scott Griffith.   

The involvement of these students will be important because it allows Jagger to connect with different people and places, preparing him for all the responsibilities he will face in the future.  The Sioux City community is crucial for Partners for Patriots and their dogs in training for funding and awareness. 

"Training these dogs is expensive, and funding helps cover the cost,” said Scott Griffith. “We also ask that people respect the dogs' space when they're working by not petting them.”  

Jagger will be trained with the couple until January and then be sent to boot camp anywhere in America. When finished, he will be put into the care of a veteran, depending on who needs the specific skills he will be trained in.   

"It's such an experience for everyone involved,” said Scott Griffith. “Jagger is making progress, and we’re excited to see where his path will take him.”  

All dogs from Partners for Patriots are given to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, or confined to a wheelchair. To learn more information or are in need of a service dog, reach out to https://www.partnersforpatriots.org/. 

Jagger, the service dog, during a scheduled meet up in Briar Cliff’s health and wellness office.