🐾 Paddington Fun Facts 🐾

Paddington is an Utonagan, a breed whose name comes from a Chinook Native American phrase meaning “spirit of the wolf.”

The Utonagan is a relatively new breed, originally developed in the 1980s from a mix of Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, and German Shepherd. Utonagans are well known for their gentle nature, willingness to learn, and calm temperament, which makes them particularly well suited for therapy work.

Paddington is specially trained to attend school and is skilled in both Passive and Positive scent work. Passive scent work means he can search an area, locate a hidden scent, and indicate it, without touching it. Then receives the reward. Positive scent work involves searching for and retrieving an item in exchange for a reward. Paddington especially enjoys scent work, as it helps keep his brain stimulated, focused, and active.

He knows a wide range of commands, including sit, chin, high five, heel, legs, middle, book, choose, mat, and search.

Paddington is always learning new skills and adapting existing ones to suit how he works within the school environment.

Consistent training is essential, as environments change and dogs continue to develop as they grow in age.

Paddington works closely with Mrs Thomas and professional dog trainer Miss Henderson three days a week to maintain his high standard of training. When Paddington is not in school, he lives with Mrs Phillips and her family, who support his training, wellbeing, and home life. Rest is just as important as training. Downtime allows Paddington to process what he has learned and decompress after a busy and rewarding week at school.