Dog Will Teach Kids With Disabilities At NJ Martial Arts School

BELLEVILLE, NJ — A four-legged martial arts assistant is ready to warm some hearts and impart some wisdom in New Jersey.

Recently, the Belleville-based, wife-and-husband team of Naomy and Allen DePeña welcomed Ladd the dog as the newest staff member of Zentai Martial Arts & Afterschool, which has locations in North Arlington and Clifton.

Naomy, a veteran educator who serves on the Belleville Township Council, told Patch that Ladd comes from Canine Companions For Independence, a nonprofit that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs.

Normally, the estimated cost of a dog like Ladd including follow-up support is about $50,000. However, the nonprofit provides each canine at no cost, DePeña said.

“Incorporating Ladd into our programs will change the way we serve students with special needs and the public in general,” DePeña said.

Zentai is currently developing a martial arts curriculum that uses a dog as a support for students, she added.

According to DePeña, Ladd already knows more than 40 commands that assist students with physical and developmental disabilities, including picking up items, tugging and crawling. Some students will get a chance to work on their balance and coordination through fitness drills. Others will gain self-confidence and leadership skills by learning to give Ladd commands.

“He’s even working on breaking boards,” DePeña quipped.

• Watch a video about Ladd
• See photos of Ladd interacting with students

“We’re always thinking outside the box, looking for ways to continue to improve our services, and bring innovative ways to service clients with a broad range of abilities” said Allen DePeña, the CEO and chief instructor.

“After a two-year waiting period, numerous applications and an intense, two-week training, we are so happy to finally be matched with such an amazing dog,” he added.

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