How is Spike, Atlanta United’s service dog in training, doing today?

ATLANTA — It’s been a year since we met Spike, Atlanta United’s service dog in training, but we haven’t seen a lot of him at matches because of the pandemic.

Channel 2′s Alison Mastrangelo caught up with Spike and his trainer to see how he’s progressing and what’s next in his training.

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Spike has moved on from basic puppy training to the PTSD part of the curriculum for service dogs .

This specific training will allow him to help a veteran or first responder he’s matched with.

Since November, Spike has been working with puppy raiser Jana Haas.

Haas says during the pandemic socialization was a little challenging to work on, but they were able to do a lot of things at home.

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Recently, America’s VetDogs has allowed them to return to small group classes, and he’s been able to practice his skills out in public in more distracting environments.

Haas says Spike is on track with his training. He’s very food motivated and picks up new commands quickly.

In May, he will go back to America’s VetDogs in New York for advanced service dog training.

“He will learn a number of skills, but right now his most recent skill he is learning is rest. It’s where he puts his head on my lap and it’s a great way for Spike’s future veteran or first responder to relax if they may be feeling a little anxious or stressed and  that they can go on with their day and feel much better.” Jana Haas, Spike’s volunteer puppy raiser said.

Atlanta United is not sure if Spike will get a chance to attend any matches this season. It will all depend if they will allow fans into the games before he moves on to New York.

However, they are hopeful once his training is complete, he will be placed with a veteran or first responder in the Georgia area.

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Meet Spike: Atlanta United?s new service dog in training Atlanta United announced Thursday a new member to the team: a 12-week-old Labrador retriever.