Canine artist Sammy was originally trained by Mary Stadelbacher, president, founder, and lead trainer at Shore Service Dogs in Maryland, a nonprofit organization that trains assistance dogs for people with mobility disabilities. "All of my guys are rescues. Some I get really early on, others are much older," Stadelbacher tells Paw Nation. "The old saying that you can't teach old dogs new tricks is completely false."
Mary Stadelbacher
Stadelbacher explains that she clearly delineates painting as a "fun" activity, as opposed to their assistance jobs. "A dog working for a handicapped person has to obey every command every time, so you can only train them with affection and verbal praise [rather than with treats]." Painting is different, she says, "That's one of the few things that I do give them treats for."
Sammy's paintings sell for up to $1,700, and all of the proceeds from the animal artwork goes right back into supporting the Shore Service Dogs. When asked if she believes her dogs know what they are doing when they paint, she says, "They know if they've done something good when they are done. Their tails are wagging and they are obviously excited."
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Why Vets Can't Always Smell What You Smell
Some id^&% may buy one of the paintings. LOL
What a great way for Service Dogs to have fun. He is really good at it as well. It's true, animals are never to old to learn how to do something new. My bird is 10 and he amazes me all the time with his new antics and words. My blue heeler is 11 and she constantly amazes my husband and son. Not me, because I am the one that teaches her or she teaches me. LOL I am glad that his paintings are being sold and proceeds put back into the Training of future service dogs.
My dog re-ce can pea 20 feet
maybe she can help the family that tried to pawn the dads art as his 4 yr olds...those puppies are sweet too
Aren't dogs supposed to be color blind?
That's what I've always heard...
Yea, they see in black and white
Actually, don't don't just see in black and white. Dogs see “VIBYYYR” (Violet, Indigo, Blue, Yellow, Yellow, Yellow, and Red). The colors Green, Yellow, and Orange all look alike to dogs; but look different from Red and different from the various Blues and Purples. Dogs are very good at telling different shades of VIB apart. Blue-Green looks White to dogs. Dogs see in limited color and with a different perception because they have only two types of cones in their eye versus the human three.
Not true. Dogs CAN see colors just not the whole spectrum like humans.
Actually, poodles see in color and have hair, not fur. I don't know how experts tested this, but it is said to be true.
Very funny and not bad paintings. Looks like some I've seen in Gallerys!
Sammy didn't look so comfortable holding that brush in his mouth while Stadelbacher talked & talked.
I think Sammy wanted to paint Al's crotch a pretty aquamarine.
I think the dogs would probably rather go chase squirrels for treats. Why do we have to attribute human characteristics on animals? I have great respect for assistance dogs, but why can't they just be dogs once in a while? Show them some respect. Painting is not a natural pastime for dogs.
Can cats see in color, too?
Whatever happened to throwing a ball or playing tug?? If I gave my dog a paint brush he would probably try and eat it.
thats so cute. at least the funds go to something good.
so cute.
I don't think this dog is enjoying his job on bit! And, the lady giving him orders doesn't seem to be 'reading' how the dog feels about it at all. "Paint!, Sam..... Samuel, paint!...." You can tell he's trying to please her, but doesn't want to do it.
Anything for money? Not with my dog, she doesn't.
Nothing like being embarassed when doggy won't cooperate. Ha ha ! Seriously I thought it was cute and Sammys paintings are artful. He was probably having a case of stage fright or bored waiting to do his thing. Evidently he doesn't mind doing this or he wouldn't do it at all. You know what they say, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. Maybe the animals can help make money for charity because the humans don't have any money left for things like that with all the unemployment and all. It's a good way to earn their keep now isn't it. It's about time some of these pampered pets earned their own way. Now if we could just teach them to answer the phone whenever the telemarketers or bill collectors call we would have it made!