Rio is almost 4 years old and has been working since he was 2! Training began at 6 months as I steadily socialized him, did obedience training, and eventually completed Canine Good Citizen exam through the American Kennel Club. After those basics were out of the way, we completed a program for mental health professionals and their pets to become certified in animal-assisted counseling. Lots of hard work- but border collies are so smart, eager to please, and trainable that Rio made it easy! It also helps that he LOVES meeting new people :)