Providing Real Training for Real Dogs for Real Life
About Us
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Our founders
"By and for First Responders"
The job of the First Responder is rewarding but can be stressful and very challenging. Working as a First Responder can take a toll on those who respond and see people in crisis on a daily basis. Addressing the mental and physical well-being of First Responders, both Sworn and Civilian is paramount for continued quality to service to the community.
As retired Law Enforcement professionals with over 60 years of combined experience at a major metropolitan California Police Department, the Founders of Blue Line Dogs understand the need for Officer Wellness. Our founders have experience in Patrol Operations, Investigations (Sexual Assault, Child Pornography, Homicide, Burglary), and Leadership and Training of First Responders. Firsthand personal field experience as well as experience as Supervisors of those who deal with crisis situations gives insight into helping those who help others. Our founders have returned to Law Enforcement working as Reserve Level I Police Officers and Volunteers.
They have also conducted the training of Patrol Officers, Investigators, Dispatchers, Correctional Officers and Tactical Officers in the area of dealing with persons with Mental Illness and dealing with Crisis Situations. They were also instrumental in the creation of Autism training courses for Law Enforcement as well as an Autism Support Group for Law Enforcement Officers.
This combined with over 40 years in the dog training experience set the foundation of Blue Line Dogs canine training curriculum. Our lead trainer is a 1981 graduate of the United States Air Force's 341st Training Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Its mission is Joint Service assistance in the training of all military working-dog (MWD) handlers and MWDs deployed worldwide. All Dog Trainers in our program are required to have extensive formal training and participate in continuing education. All trainers are Evaluators for the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen Program.
In dealing with First Responders, they understood and appreciated the need and benefit of Psychological First Aid (PFA). Blue Line Dogs incorporates Therapy dogs as a part of a secure and trusted well rounded wellness program.
A Therapy Dog program is part of a overall wellness program that targets First Responders and their special circumstances. Blue Line Dogs, under the umbrella of our partners regularly visits Agency facilities and attends Agency Wellness training days.
All Civilian volunteers are vetted and receive training in understanding the complexity and issues of first responders, Information confidentially, First Aid (Human and Pet), basic dog handling skills and the FEMA Incident Command System (ICS).
Our team
Our Dogs
It takes a very special dog to work as a Therapy Dog.
Not every dog is suited for this very rewarding work. The work of the Therapy dog is much more that being a friendly dog. Therapy dogs must have many traits, including but not limited to being obedient, friendly, even-tempered, consistent, gentle, confident, resilient, comfortable with meeting new people, and reliable in unusual and stressful environments. They must be able to focus on the task and not be easily distracted.
Above all, they must love people and truly enjoy being around them while being hugged, kissed and petted. Each dog is trained and conditioned to work in various environments. Constant proofing and observation in various situations ensures that the dog is at the top of their game. Dogs in training are closely supervised and field tested.
Each team member must pass the Program's basic canine course and the AKC Canine Good Citizens test, receive additional task certifications such as the AKC Urban Dogs, AKC Trick Dog, and AKC Community Canine
Each dog is owned and maintained by their handler who is responsible for all costs, care, maintenance and training.
Teamwork takes work !
At Blue Line Dogs, our mission is to provide top-notch community support services to individuals in need. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all our clients.
Our Volunteer Dog Handlers
It takes a special person to be a Specialty Dog Handler.
It is more than just holding the leash. A positive attitude of service to the community is paramount.
The Volunteer Handler must be opened to new training techniques and goals. They must be attuned to their dog and be able to know when to trust the dog and when to be a dog leader. Working as a team safely is important. Volunteer Handlers must understand that the goal of the program is to bring comfort to others.
Volunteers wishing to participate in the program must be the Owner of a dog that meets the minimal requirements of manageability and conduct. The minimum age for the Volunteer is 18 years old. They initially must successfully attend the program orientation, pass an interview, and a background check.
Volunteer teams then enter several phases of training which includes the Handlers Education course, obedience course and field training in preparation for work in various environments. Accelerated Phase waivers may be granted for Handlers and dogs that submit to and pass a skills test based on previous experience and training.
Volunteer Handlers must learn about their particular dog breed as well as First Aid and CPR for Pets. They also must take a FEMA ICS 100 Course, Suicide Prevention Class and a Psychological First Aid Course.
Handlers are not compensated for their time, general, training or medical expenses, care and feeding of their dog.
Working as Team works !
Our team is made up of experienced and compassionate professionals who are dedicated to helping our clients. We take pride in the quality of care we provide and are committed to making a positive impact in our community.
Our Volunteer Dog/Handler Trainers
Experienced and Knowledgeable Trainers are valuable.
For any Specialty Dog Program to thrive it is imperative that an on going and active training program be initiated. Blue Line Dogs has in-house trainers to ensure a continuous and consistent training program. These trainers can observe and intervene to ensure that the dog is progress with training and are not a liability. Because our Dog Teams come to the program with various levels of training, active realistic training ensures that the dog team realizes their full protentional. Working and training in various scenarios tests the limits of the dog and handler. The trainers can evaluate the teams and immediately assist in any training issues. Trainers work with handlers, the dogs and both as a team. Each team documents training sessions to ensure progress.
Safety while handling of dogs is a priority and the responsibility of everyone in the program. Safety protocols are taught and strictly enforced. After each major deployment and on a quarterly basis teams are de-briefed as to their visits.
The initial and on-going training of our Dog teams are done by a team of experienced Dog Trainers. Each trainer has attended and graduated from a formal dog training program and have a minimum of 3 years of practical experience in the training of dogs as a lead dog trainer. Continuing education for the Trainers is imperative as well as research and review of various techniques, studies and approaches of training for both Handlers and the dogs.
Blue line dogs does accept dog trainers in their Apprentice program who work under a trainer and are supervised.
Each trainer is a American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, certified in First Aid and CPR training for both humans and pets and have taken a Psychological First Aid Course.
Handlers are an important part of the training experience and their input is always solicited.
Leadership is teamwork !
We offer a wide range of community support services, including counseling, group therapy, and case management. Our goal is to help our clients achieve their full potential and live fulfilling lives.
Our affliations
The American Kennel Club
Blue Line Dogs uses an added measure of training and testing with the AKC Family Dog Program, an umbrella program designed to help dogs and their owners develop a lifelong bond and become well-socialized members of the community.
AKC Family Dog includes the 4 levels of the Canine Good Citizen program:
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy
Canine Good Citizen
AKC Community Canine
AKC Urban CGC.
Upon completion of several levels of Therapy Dog visits our dogs are awarded the AKC Therapy Dog title.
AKC Family Dog also includes other fun activities like AKC Trick Dog, AKC FIT DOG and the AKC Temperament Test.
Teamwork takes work !
The President's Volunteer Service Award
In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity.
This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.
The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation.
Led by the AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.
Blue Line Dogs is a PVSA certifying agency and recognized the service and dedication of its members each year.
Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members (PAWS)
PAWS, or the Puppies Assisting Wounded Service members for Veterans Therapy Act, is a program created to provide service dogs to eligible veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The bill, as passed, required the Department of Veteran Affairs to implement a 5-year pilot program to provide canine training to eligible veterans.
Blue Line Dogs Trainers were sought out and requested to serve as Canine Training Consultants to the Los Angeles VA Service Area PAWS Program
By and For first responders
Establishing a Successful Therapy Dog Program
YOUR AGENCY MAY BENEFIT IN HAVING YOUR OWN OR SHARED THERAPY DOG PROGRAM
Why reinvent the wheel?
Although not a new concept, a therapy dog program can be very expensive and increase liability to your agency. This is not a simple task to be taken lightly. There are many considerations beyond having a calm dog.
Whether you partner with an another local agency or organization or develop an in-house program, there are many pros and cons to each avenue.
We may assist you in providing information concerning
The Program Mission, Funding, Operational Costs, Insurance, Canine Selection and Procurement, Canine Training Requirements, Handler Selection and Training, Equipment, On-going Training Costs, Documentation, Training and Safety Protocols, Dog and Handler Mental Health Considerations
A clear roadmap is necessary for a successful, safe and productive program.
You are free to use, take or replicate any of our information.
Contact us to discuss your future Therapy Dog Team for your Agency.
Shared Agency Training Opportunities
The continuous training of both Handler and Dog is important to a safe and viable Therapy Dog Program.
Blue Line Dogs conducts continuous and on-going training for its dogs and Handlers. If your Agency currently has a Therapy Dog Team and would like additional training and challenges please contact us.
We can assist in training scenarios, tasks and most importantly Handler training. We train and test the dogs ability to negotiate most environments and situations.
We believe in Handler, Dog, Team approach to training "Real Training, for Real Dogs, for Real Life!"
Handlers are given course work and practical applications in dog handling skills and knowledge. This training is more than just holding a leash. Training includes Pet First Aid and CPR, Psychological First Aid and understanding on how to handle a working dog safely.
Testing includes the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program.
All training and testing is documented to reduce liability to your agency.