Sammy, the Painting Dog

Nov 5th 2009

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."

Stadelbacher has taught many of her dogs to paint, but Sammy was a real natural. "Far in advance of the first session, each dog had to know many commands -- to grab onto something, to hold onto another location, and to 'go paint,'" says Stadelbacher. "They will keep going as long as they are being encouraged. They love it!"

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."