tables of contents

Therapy & Facility Dog Programs

Our program develops dogs to provide comfort, support, and social engagement in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and community programs. Training is designed to ensure dogs are confident, well-mannered, and capable of interacting safely with people of all ages.

Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs are trained to support emotional well-being and provide companionship in structured environments. They are ideal for programs involving:

• Hospitals and medical facilities
• Schools and educational programs
• Nursing homes and assisted living communities
• Community outreach programs

These dogs focus on offering comfort, reducing stress, and fostering social interaction. Example activities may include greeting patients, participating in reading programs, or visiting classrooms to provide emotional support.

Facility Dogs
Facility dogs are professionally trained to work under the guidance of a professional handler within structured environments. They provide consistent support in:

• Therapeutic programs with counselors, therapists, or social workers
• Educational programs for children or special needs students
• Institutional programs such as hospitals or rehabilitation centers

Facility dogs must demonstrate exceptional composure, reliability, and focus, as they interact with a variety of people in potentially unpredictable environments.

As part of our therapy dog program, clients are given access to a comprehensive Trick Masterlist, which outlines all of the tricks and skills we teach for therapy work. This list provides clear options while allowing each dog’s training to be tailored to the environment or population they will be visiting.

Trick Selection Process
Clients may review the Trick Masterlist and select tricks that best suit their dog’s role and personality. This ensures:

• Training is engaging, safe, and appropriate for therapy work 
• Tricks are entertaining, interactive, and promote positive connections with people 
• Each dog develops a focused and reliable set of skills for visits 

Each dog can be trained in up to 5 tricks at no additional cost, providing a solid foundation of interactive and attention-grabbing skills.

Additional Trick Options
For clients who want to expand their dog’s repertoire:

• Additional tricks beyond the included 5 can be added 
• Each extra trick is available for $50 per trick 
• New tricks can be added as the dog’s abilities and confidence grow 

This flexible approach allows therapy dogs to develop skills that are both fun and functional, enhancing their ability to engage and bring joy in hospitals, schools, senior centers, or community programs.

Our program offers clients the opportunity to start with a carefully selected puppy, raised and developed to become a confident, well-socialized, and engaging therapy dog.

Puppy Selection & Suitability
Puppies are sourced from ethical, reputable breeders who prioritize health, structure, and a stable temperament suitable for therapy work. Selection focuses on puppies with the highest potential to thrive in therapy environments based on:

• Confidence and emotional stability
• Sociability and engagement with people
• Adaptability to new environments and situations

We typically offer:

• Labrador Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
• Poodles (all sizes)
• Collies (rough and smooth)

Off-breeds are not commonly available. Clients may request a preferred breed and/or gender, and we match puppies to handlers between 12–16 weeks of age based on personality, temperament, and suitability for therapy work — not appearance.

Early Development & Health Requirements
After matching, puppies remain in our care to continue early socialization, confidence-building, and structured exposure to people and environments. Each puppy:

• Receives the first year of required vaccinations
• Is spayed/neutered or placed on a spay/neuter contract
• Is raised in a structured environment designed to build stability, focus, and adaptability

This ensures every puppy develops a strong foundation for future therapy work before transitioning to their handler.

Level Placement & Program Entry
All puppies stay in the trainer’s home to complete Level 1 (Foundations & Basic Obedience) prior to going home.

• Puppies do not immediately live with their handler after matching
• This period allows for consistent structure, early socialization, and professional guidance

Once Level 1 is completed:

• Puppies transition to living with their handler
• Dogs continue through Levels 2–4 of the program with ongoing guidance
• Handlers meet routinely to support continued skill development

Flexible Placement & Accessibility
Our placement process is designed to ensure a long-term, successful partnership:

• Puppies are matched based on temperament, personality, and suitability for therapy work
• Breed and gender preferences are considered but secondary to suitability
• Early in-house development allows puppies to enter handler care confident, well-adjusted, and ready for training

Program Goals & Support
Throughout the process, our team provides:

• Professional guidance during puppy development and placement
• Continued support as the dog progresses through subsequent levels
• Ongoing monitoring to ensure consistency, stability, and confidence

Our focus is on developing therapy dogs that are calm, sociable, adaptable, and capable of engaging safely and effectively in real-world environments.

This program is ideal for clients who want to start with a purpose-selected puppy and receive structured, professional guidance from the earliest stages. Puppies are thoughtfully matched, carefully developed, and prepared to grow into confident, reliable therapy dogs capable of bringing comfort, joy, and support to the people they visit.

Our program welcomes clients who already have a dog and want to develop them into a reliable, confident, and engaging therapy dog.

Temperament & Suitability Assessment
Before beginning, every dog undergoes a comprehensive temperament evaluation to ensure they are emotionally and behaviorally suited for therapy work. This assessment examines:

• Confidence and stability 
• Sociability and attentiveness 
• Adaptability to new people, environments, and situations
  Dogs must also meet basic health and care requirements to be eligible for training: 
• Up-to-date on all required vaccinations 
• Spayed or neutered (unless breeder contract requires otherwise) 

Dogs that meet the program’s standards are approved to continue, ensuring they can safely and successfully progress through therapy training.

Level Placement & Program Entry
Following evaluation, dogs are placed into the appropriate training level (Level 1–4) based on their prior training and experience:

• Dogs are not required to repeat levels they have already mastered 
• Clients are not charged for levels the dog does not need (e.g., a dog entering at Level 2 does not take or pay for Level 1) 
• This approach allows efficient progression while maintaining program standards 
• Dogs of any age may be accepted; however, younger dogs are generally easier to socialize and adapt to therapy training 

Flexible Placement & Accessibility
We evaluate suitability based on temperament and personality, not appearance or breed:

• All breeds and breed mixes are accepted, large or small 
• Each dog is assessed individually for sociability, focus, and working potential 
• Placement ensures training focuses on the dog’s strengths and developmental needs 

This approach allows a wide variety of dogs to participate while maintaining high standards for therapy work.

Program Goals & Support
As the dog progresses, our team provides:

• Guidance tailored to the dog’s abilities and social skills 
• Placement and progression based on readiness rather than a fixed timeline 
• Ongoing monitoring to ensure safety, confidence, and consistency 

Our focus is on developing dogs that are not only well-trained, but also emotionally stable, confident, and capable of interacting positively in public, clinical, and community settings.

This program is ideal for clients who want a structured, professional pathway for their existing dog, starting with a thorough assessment and clear placement within the program. Dogs that meet the program’s standards are positioned to become confident, dependable therapy partners, capable of engaging safely, calmly, and effectively with people in a variety of environments.

 Level 1 is the starting point of the Service Dog Training Program. This stage focuses on building a strong foundation in obedience, confidence, and handler engagement—setting the groundwork for all future training.

The goal of Level 1 is to develop a dog that is attentive, responsive, and well-mannered, while also establishing clear communication and trust between the dog and handler.

What This Level Focuses On

Level 1 builds the core skills every therapy dog needs before advancing further.

Dogs are expected to:

• Learn and respond reliably to basic commands
• Develop focus and engagement with their handler
• Build confidence in new environments
• Practice calm, appropriate behavior around people and other dogs

Handlers learn to:

• Give clear, consistent commands
• Reinforce behaviors effectively
• Understand and read their dog’s body language
• Build a strong working relationship with their dog

Core Obedience Skills

All foundational commands are taught and practiced until they are consistent and reliable.

Examples of Skills Learned

• Sit, down, and stand on command
• Stay and place for impulse control and patience
• Come (recall) for safety and responsiveness
• Heel for polite, controlled walking
• Leave it and drop it to prevent unwanted behaviors
• Hold positions until released
• Respond promptly to commands
• Remain focused even with mild distractions

Socialization & Confidence Building

A major part of Level 1 is helping dogs become comfortable and confident in the world around them.

Examples of Exposure

• Different environments (indoors, outdoors, public areas)
• Various surfaces (tile, concrete, grass, etc.)
• Everyday sounds (traffic, crowds, household noise)
• Controlled interactions with people and other dogs

The goal is a dog that is calm, confident, and able to focus on their handler in new situations.

Public Manners & Behavior

Dogs begin learning appropriate behavior for future volunteer work.

Examples

• Greeting people politely without jumping
• Remaining calm around other dogs
• Walking nicely on leash without pulling
• Settling quietly when not actively working

Handler Development

Handlers are actively involved and will:

• Practice proper timing and consistency with commands
• Learn how to guide and reinforce behaviors
• Build confidence handling their dog in different settings
• Understand how to support their dog’s learning and progress

Testing & Advancement

Level 1 prepares the dog for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, which is required to move on to Level 2.

This includes:

• Basic obedience and manners
• Calm behavior around people and dogs
• Reliable responses in controlled public settings

End Goals

By the end of Level 1:

• Dogs perform all basic obedience commands reliably
• Dogs show improved focus, confidence, and behavior
• Dogs demonstrate calm, polite social interactions
• Handlers understand how to effectively communicate with and manage their dog

Level 1 creates the foundation for everything that follows. It ensures each dog enters the next stage with the obedience, confidence, and structure needed to succeed in advanced training and future therapy work.

Level 2 builds directly on the foundation established in Level 1, taking obedience to a much higher level while beginning structured volunteer skill training. This stage focuses on creating a dog that is reliable, focused, and responsive, even in distracting, real-world environments.

Prerequisite:

• Successful completion of Level 1
• Passing the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test

What This Level Focuses On

Level 2 is all about reliability and control, both on and off leash.

Dogs are expected to:

• Respond immediately and consistently to commands
• Maintain focus on the handler in distracting environments
• Begin working off-leash with control and reliability

Handlers learn to:

• Give clear, confident commands
• Maintain engagement and attention
• Manage distractions and reinforce behaviors properly

Advanced Obedience Skills

Dogs will refine and “proof” all core obedience commands so they work anywhere—not just at home.

Examples of Skills Being Strengthened

• Sit, down, and stand with duration and distance
• Reliable recall (coming when called, even with distractions)
• Structured heel through busy environments
• Place command for calm, stationary behavior
• Leave it and drop it around food or objects
• Staying in position while the handler moves away

Off-Leash Training

• Off-leash heel with focus on the handler
• Recall from longer distances
• Holding commands (sit/down/place) without leash guidance
• Responding to cues even when not directly next to the handler

Volunteer Introduction

Dogs begin training in real-world environments, learning how to behave appropriately in public.

Examples of Skills Being Practiced

• Walking calmly through stores without pulling
• Ignoring people, dogs, food, and noises
• Greeting strangers politely (or remaining neutral when appropriate)
• Settling quietly in public spaces
• Staying focused despite movement and distractions

Real-World Training Environments

Training sessions expand beyond controlled environments and may include:

• Pet friendly stores and shopping areas
• Outdoor public spaces
• Patios of restaurants or cafés
• Moderate to busy environments with distractions

Handler Development

Handlers are an active part of this level and will:

• Learn how to read their dog’s body language
• Practice timing and consistency with commands
• Improve leash handling and off-leash control
• Gain confidence working their dog in public

Testing & Advancement

Level 2 prepares the dog for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA) test, which is required to move to Level 3.

This includes:

• Advanced obedience in public
• Calm behavior around strangers and distractions
• Reliable responses both on and off leash

End Goals

By the end of Level 2:

• Dogs are reliable in all basic and advanced obedience commands
• Dogs can work on and off leash with control
• Dogs demonstrate calm, appropriate behavior in public settings
• Handlers can confidently manage their dog in real-world environments

Level 2 is where obedience becomes dependable and consistent. It creates the control, focus, and public behavior needed before moving into Level 3, where trick training and full therapy work begin.

Level 3 is where therapy dogs begin to move beyond basic obedience and socialization into structured volunteer work and advanced trick training. At this stage, dogs are prepared to confidently participate in volunteer settings, such as hospitals, schools, and community programs, while learning a variety of fun and engaging tricks that enhance their interactions with people.

Prerequisite:

• Successful completion of Level 2
• Passing the AKC Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA) test

What This Level Focuses On
Level 3 combines two main components:

• Participation in supervised volunteer activities
• Introduction and development of therapy dog tricks

Dogs are expected to:

• Maintain strong obedience in public and volunteer settings
• Stay engaged with their handler while interacting with new people
• Begin performing trained tricks reliably to entertain, motivate, and engage

Handlers learn to:

• Give clear, consistent cues for both obedience and tricks
• Reinforce behaviors effectively
• Manage distractions and maintain control in public and volunteer environments

Trick Training (Up to 5 Tricks Included)
Each dog is trained in up to 5 tricks of the handler’s choosing. Tricks are introduced step-by-step and practiced until the dog performs them reliably in real-world volunteer situations.

Examples of Tricks (See Masterlist for Full Options):

• Shake or high-five
• Spin or twirl
• Bow or curtsey
• Pick up and deliver objects
• Targeting a hand or toy

Additional Trick Options

• Additional tricks beyond the included 5 may be added
• Each extra trick is $50
• Tricks can be added as the dog’s skills and volunteer experiences progress

Volunteer Work & Public Exposure
Training expands to include structured volunteer opportunities to ensure dogs can perform calmly, politely, and reliably around people of all ages.

Examples of Skills Being Practiced:

• Greeting patients or students without jumping
• Remaining calm in busy, stimulating environments
• Performing tricks to engage or motivate individuals
• Navigating different indoor and outdoor spaces confidently
• Maintaining focus on the handler despite distractions

Real-World Training Environments:
Dogs and handlers will practice in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals, clinics, and therapy offices
• Schools, libraries, and classrooms
• Senior centers or assisted living facilities
• Community events and volunteer opportunities

The goal is to ensure the dog can perform obedience and tricks reliably while positively engaging people in public or volunteer settings.

Handler Development
Handlers continue to build confidence and competence by:

• Practicing timing and consistency with cues
• Learning how to reinforce both obedience and tricks
• Managing distractions and maintaining control in real-world settings
• Coordinating volunteer interactions safely and effectively

Testing & Advancement
Level 3 prepares dogs for practical evaluation in volunteer and public settings. This ensures they can:

• Perform tricks reliably
• Maintain calm, polite behavior in real-world interactions
• Work confidently with their handler in new or busy environments

End Goals
By the end of Level 3:

• Dogs perform up to 5 tricks reliably in volunteer situations
• Dogs demonstrate strong public behavior and engagement skills
• Handlers can confidently manage their dog during volunteer work
• The team is prepared for Level 4, where consistency and versatility are further refined

Level 3 is where therapy dogs truly begin to shine in public and volunteer work. By combining obedience, engagement, and trick performance, the team becomes capable of safely and confidently interacting with people in meaningful, rewarding ways.

Level 4 is the final stage of the Therapy Dog Program, where everything comes together and the handler-dog team transitions into fully independent volunteer and public work. By this point, dogs have mastered obedience, public manners, and trick performance. This level is about refining, proofing, and confidently applying those skills in a variety of real-world settings.

Prerequisite:

• Successful completion of Level 3 
• Passing the AKC Canine Good Citizen Urban (CGCU) test 

What This Level Focuses On
Level 4 shifts from learning to consistent, real-world application. The goal is a dog that engages confidently and politely in public or volunteer environments, and a handler who can manage, guide, and advocate for their therapy dog effectively.

Dogs are expected to:

• Perform all learned tricks reliably in public and volunteer situations 
• Remain calm and composed in busy, stimulating environments 
• Stay focused despite distractions like crowds, noise, food, or other animals 

Handlers learn to:

• Confidently manage their dog in public and volunteer settings 
• Recognize and respond appropriately to environmental challenges 
• Advocate for their dog’s role and maintain positive interactions with the public 

Public Behavior & Volunteer Work
Training focuses on real-world engagement and professional therapy behavior. Examples include:

• Settling calmly in waiting areas, classrooms, or therapy spaces 
• Walking through crowded public spaces without reacting or pulling 
• Ignoring distractions such as noise, food, or unfamiliar people 
• Performing tricks to engage, motivate, and comfort others 
• Participating safely and respectfully in volunteer programs 

Trick & Engagement Work (Examples)
Dogs demonstrate polished trick performance in public and volunteer settings. Example tricks include:

• Shake, high-five, or paw targeting 
• Spin, bow, or other entertaining gestures 
• Retrieve or deliver small objects for engagement purposes 
• Targeting a person’s hand or interacting with props
  Additional tricks beyond the initial 5 may be added for $50 per trick 

Real-World Training Environments
Dogs and handlers practice in a variety of everyday locations to build confidence, consistency, and versatility:

• Hospitals, clinics, and therapy offices 
• Schools, libraries, and classrooms 
• Senior centers and assisted living facilities 
• Community events and public spaces 

Handler Development
A major focus of Level 4 is ensuring the handler is fully prepared for independent work:

• Reading and responding to the dog’s cues in public 
• Handling unexpected or challenging situations with calm authority 
• Reinforcing trick performance and engagement behavior reliably 
• Building confidence in managing interactions and volunteer activities 

Testing & Graduation Requirements
To graduate from Level 4, both dog and handler must demonstrate readiness and reliability:

• Public Engagement Test (Program Provided): Confirms the dog’s ability to behave and perform tricks safely in real-world volunteer settings 
• Handler Evaluation: Confirms the handler can manage their dog independently, guide interactions, and maintain professionalism 

End Goals
By the end of Level 4:

• Dogs are calm, reliable, and polished in volunteer and public environments 
• Handlers are confident, knowledgeable, and capable of independent work 
• Teams function smoothly, safely, and positively, enhancing public and volunteer interactions 

Level 4 represents both the culmination of training and the beginning of independent therapy work. It ensures each team leaves the program prepared to engage, entertain, and support the community with confidence, reliability, and professionalism.

Graduation marks the final stage of the program, where both dog and handler have demonstrated the skills, reliability, and consistency required to operate independently as a therapy dog team.

Graduation Requirements
Before graduating, each team must successfully complete all required evaluations to ensure readiness for real-world work. This includes:

• Demonstrating consistent obedience and reliability in a variety of environments 
• Maintaining calm, neutral, and professional public behavior 
• Successfully passing all program testing, including handler and therapy evaluations 

These standards confirm that both the dog and handler are fully prepared to function safely and effectively in everyday life.

Transition to Independence
Once all testing has been successfully completed:

• The team is considered officially graduated 
• The dog is cleared to work in public as a therapy dog 
• There are no further required payments or mandatory training commitments 

At this stage, teams can move forward with confidence, knowing they have met the program’s highest standards.

Continued Training Opportunities
Although no longer required, ongoing training is always encouraged. Graduates:

• Are welcome to continue attending classes and group training outings 
• May participate in advanced practice sessions or refresher training 
• Can seek additional guidance as needed 

This allows teams to maintain and strengthen their skills over time.

Ongoing Support & Evaluations
To ensure long-term success and working reliability, we provide continued oversight through:

• Quarterly check-ins to monitor progress and address any concerns 
• Annual re-evaluations, including both handler and therapy dog testing 

These evaluations help confirm that the dog remains capable, confident, and appropriate for continued therapy work in public settings.
Graduation represents the transition from structured training to independent, real-world partnership. Teams leave the program fully prepared to navigate daily life with confidence, while still having access to continued support and guidance as needed.

No. Therapy dogs only have access to locations that explicitly allow therapy visits, such as schools, hospitals, or therapy programs. They do not have the same legal public access protections as service dogs. 

Service dogs are individually trained to perform specific tasks and have full public access rights under the ADA.
Emotional support animals (ESAs) provide comfort but are not task-trained and do not have public access rights.
Therapy dogs are trained to support others (such as in hospitals or schools) and also do not have public access rights. 

Yes. We do not restrict any breeds or mixed breeds. Suitability is based on temperament, behavior, and overall stability, not breed. 

Clients may request breed and gender preferences, however, puppies are matched based on temperament, personality, and working potential to ensure the best long-term success. 

The full program timeline varies depending on the dog’s starting level, age, and progress. On average, training can take 12–24 months to complete all levels. 

If a dog is not suitable for therapy work, we will discuss alternative options and recommendations. This ensures the safety and success of both the dog and handler.  Disqualifications are dogs with bite records, aggression towards any stimuli, a dog with medical or health issues that impact their daily life, ect.

Yes. Handler education is a critical part of the program. You will learn how to effectively communicate with your dog, maintain training, and navigate public access situations confidently. 

Yes. Clients may pay per level as their dog progresses or pay upfront. Payment plans can be arranged for each level, allowing for flexibility without requiring full payment at once. 

Apply to have your dog assessed for therapy work through our comprehensive temperament and suitability evaluation. This process determines if your dog meets the behavioral and physical requirements for the program and allows us to place them at the appropriate training level based on their current skills. 

Join our waitlist to be matched with a carefully selected therapy dog puppy. Clients may submit preferences for breed and gender, while final placement is based on temperament, personality, and working potential to ensure the best long-term partnership.