​​Empower your team with hands-on knowledge about service dogs and their role in supporting first responders and healthcare professionals.

​

The Kadence Legacy Fund with Holdfast K9 offers interactive workshops and training sessions designed to educate, demonstrate, and build teamwork around service dogs in professional environments.

​

Take a listen to a recent podcast at Mind Beyond The Mission and learn what a service dog partnership looks like. A service dog is not just a companion. It is a highly trained partner that provides stability, safety, and life-changing support.

​

Podcast link:  John Dugas, Holdfast K9 on Mind Beyond The Mission

​

Who Should Attend Our Service Dog Education & Training Workshops:

• First Responders:

  • EMTs / Paramedics

  • Firefighters

  • Police Officers

  • Search & Rescue Teams

• Healthcare Professionals:

  • Nurses

  • Physicians / Doctors

  • Psychologists & Psychiatrists

  • Social Workers

  • Occupational & Physical Therapists

• Emergency & Community Services:

  • Crisis Response Teams

  • Mental Health Support Workers

  • Community Center Staff

  • Volunteer Coordinators in emergency services

• Other Stakeholders:

  • School Counselors & Educators

  • Rehabilitation Specialists

  • Caregivers supporting veterans or first responders

  • Anyone working alongside or supporting service dogs in professional settings

​

Why Work With Us

​The Kadence Legacy Fund brings real expertise and hands-on experience to every workshop and training session.

​

John Dugas has over 10 years of experience in service dog training and is an Alberta Certified Dog Trainer. Combined with our team’s lived experience supporting veterans, first responders, and individuals with PTSD, we provide practical, safe, and impactful training that goes beyond theory.

​

What Your Team Will Learn & Experience

• Interactive, Hands-On Demonstrations: See trained service dogs in action and practice safe handling techniques.

• Teamwork & Safety Skills: Learn strategies for working safely and effectively alongside service dogs in high-pressure environments.

• Understanding PTSD & Trauma: Gain insights into how service dogs support first responders, veterans, and others with invisible injuries.

• Practical Tools & Resources: Take home actionable tips, handouts, and resources for continued learning.

• Real-Life Scenarios: Participate in exercises that simulate emergency and healthcare situations where service dogs are deployed.

• Q&A with Experts: Ask questions and get professional guidance from certified trainers and experienced caregivers.​

 

Book a Workshop Today

Bring the Kadence Legacy Fund and Holdfast K9 team to your workplace, fire hall, hospital, or community center to give your team the skills and knowledge to safely and effectively work with service dogs.

​

John Dugas

Alberta Certified Trainer

Holdfast K9

Website:  Holdfastk9.ca

Email: HoldfastK9@gmail.com

​

Maritimes/Atlantic Canada to book a workshop please contact

Stephanie McMullen 

Email: klf.maritimes@gmail.com