They may not remember your name but will always remember your dogs name.

Applicants should be aware that the handling and training of a Therapy dog is not an easy task.  Being a member of Blue Line Dogs is no exception.  Blue Line Dogs prides itself in recruiting, training and maintaining only the best trained and most dedicated Handlers and dogs.  Because quite a bit time, effort, and money is invested into the training process in order to certify a Therapy Dog Team for field duty, our application process is stringent and our training process is demanding.

It is our promise that once accepted as a trainee, we do everything we can to insure that the team is successful in the training and ultimately in certification.  We do not compromise safety!  We also want to ensure that the applicant is a good fit for the program. Persons interested in applying should contact us for an informal overview of the program.  

Prior to acceptance into the training program the staff of Blue Line Dogs may conduct an informal interview with an explanation of the program.  The Handler is then invited to submit an application for membership.  The application asks basic questions concerning you and your dog to determine the level of training the Handler and dog have when entering the program.  Once cleared, the Applicant is invited to observe a training session without their dog.  At the training session the Applicant can observe our training techniques and speak to current Handlers and Trainers. 

If the Applicant believes that they are up to the challenge, the applicant and their dog are invited to a temperament test with a Trainers.  Upon review of the application and the results of the temperament test, the Applicant may be invited for a formal interview with the staff of Blue Line Dogs.  This interview is to gather more information on the Applicant and to address any questions or concerns than may have arisen concerning commitment, dog handling skills and expectations.

Applicants are reminded that the Mission of Blue Line Dogs is the wellness partnership with First Responders which requires an application into their respective Volunteer or Reserve Corps.    

Applicants must be aware that upon acceptance into the training program that they must attend training.  The attendance of training sessions although required, is in no way a guarantee granting a Volunteer a continued position with Blue Line Dogs.  

Handler 

The Handler of the dog should be aware of the commitment and the Mission of Blue Line Dogs.  Handlers should be at least 18 years old and be healthy enough to handle the dog skillfully and safely.  

Canine 

There are no restrictions as to the age or breed of dog.  Each dog must pass each test and be able to safely be in a public place without any issues.  Each dog must provide a health certificate indicating any and all vaccinations.  Each dog must be licensed in the jurisdiction of the handler.  

Once accepted, all Trainees and their dogs are classified as Handler/Canine Trainees Phase 1 regardless their  of experience or title.

The training of the dog and Handler are at NO COST and are held at locations of Blue Line Dogs' choosing.  Handlers and their dogs may accelerate their phases of training based on their individual skills and performance.  Each team must pass each phase of testing prior to taking the final test for certification.  The training phase tests are administered by Blue Line Dogs Trainers following AKC guidelines regardless of previous achievement of any titles or courses.  

The phases of training begin with basic obedience and progress to more complex situations and tasks.  This includes various levels of distractions and maneuvering through various environments.  We adhere to our motto "Real Training, For Real Dogs, For Real Life!"  We make every attempt to prepare the team for situations and environments they will encounter in the field.  

Upon completion of Phase 3 of training, Handlers are asked to begin the Handler Course work.  This includes classes in Psychological First Aid, Pet First Aid and CPR and the FEMA Incident Command System 100 course. 

Upon completion of Phase 3 of training, Handlers shall submit their Volunteer Applications with their respective Agencies and submit to a Live Scan.  Each Agency has its own set of qualifications for acceptance into their Volunteer Corps.

Currently Blue Line Dogs has entered MOAs with the Los Angeles Police Department, The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and Vernon Police Department. 

Upon the completion of all phases of training, each team is tested for certification for field duty.  This test is devised by Blue Line Dogs in evaluating the Handler and dogs in various situations.  Passing the Certification advances the team to a Probationary status while in the field.  Probationary Therapy Dog Handlers and dogs are observed by Trainers and Senior Handlers until they are deemed to be eligible for final certification to conduct visit without supervision.  Certification based of independent skills and team skills.  Handler skills and safety, dog skills and temperament and working together are taken in consideration.  Each team is re-certified in the month of January of each year.  

At this time, each Certified or Probationary Team is required to conduct a Facility or Event visit a minimum of once per month.  During the year the Handler may use one month as a vacation month.  This is subject to change.   

In addition, all teams are required to attend a minimum of one training session per quarter.  This is to ensure that the team is viable and that their training, handling and safety skills are maintained.

Handler Trainees that do not attend any training sessions for 2 consecutive months may be asked to reapply for membership.  

Participation with Blue Line Dogs is purely a voluntary consideration.  Handler are not compensated and all costs associated with the ownership, training or transportation are the responsibly of the Handler.  Each Handler should be cognizant that working with and around dogs may be hazardous.  Each Handler is responsible for any medical or legal costs or judgments incurred while a member and while engaged in any field activities or training.