Knott's Berry Farm Joins OCTA In Service Dog Training

OCTA’s free annual event teaches service animals and handlers how to become comfortable using public transportation
ORANGE – Knott’s Berry Farm is teaming up with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) in offering free training to service animals and their handlers to help ease anxiety when riding the bus.
Training will be held between 8 a.m. and noon, Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Fullerton Park ‘n’ Ride, 3000 W. Orangethorpe Ave. in Fullerton.
As part of the OCTA training, Knott’s Berry Farm will allow up to 150 handlers and service animals entry into the theme park from 10 a.m. until noon. OCTA will distribute the Knott’s Berry Farm wristbands, required for free admission, at the Fullerton Park ‘n’ Park.
The training is important because many animals experience apprehension from vibrations and noise made by the bus and from the opening and closing of the bus doors, making the ride difficult for the animal and handler.
During OCTA’s training, service dogs and their handlers will have an opportunity to ride the bus in a controlled environment. They may board and exit multiple times and ride for an extended period of time to become familiar with the experience.
Approximately 75 people attended last year’s event. Colby Morita, a three-year volunteer service dog trainer and member of Guide Dogs of America, attended the event with his dog, Derby. The Irvine resident trains each of his service dogs for approximately 15 months before they are placed with their permanent owner.
“I brought Derby to the event to become familiar with public transportation, which is a necessary skill for any guide dog,” said Morita. “We walked toward Knott’s Berry Farm last year, but allowing the dogs to experience the surroundings of a theme park will be an added bonus at this year’s event.”
The event has helped train more than 500 service animals over the past 10 years.
For training information, contact Pam Peters at (714) 265-4387 or ppeters@octa.net.