“Faces may fade, but the comfort of a dog’s presence is unforgettable.”

Applicants should understand that handling and training a Therapy Dog is not an easy task. Becoming a member of Blue Line Dogs is no exception. We pride ourselves on recruiting, training, and maintaining only the most dedicated handlers and the best-trained dogs. Because a significant investment of time, effort, and resources goes into preparing and certifying a Therapy Dog Team for field duty, our application process is stringent and our training process is demanding.

That said, it is our promise that once accepted as a trainee, we will do everything possible to help each team succeed in training and, ultimately, certification. We do not compromise safety, and we also ensure that every applicant is a good fit for the program.

Initial Steps

1. Informal Overview – Interested individuals may contact us to discuss the program. Staff may conduct an informal interview and provide an explanation of program requirements.
2.  Observation Session – Once cleared, applicants are invited to observe a training session without their dog. This allows them to see our techniques and speak with current handlers and trainers.
3. Application Submission – Prospective handlers are invited to complete an application that gathers information about the handler, their dog, and their current level of training.
   

Evaluation and Selection 

1. Temperament Test – If the applicant wishes to continue, they and their dog participate in a temperament test with a trainer.
2. Formal Interview – Based on the application and temperament test results, applicants may be invited for a formal interview with the Blue Line Dogs staff. This step allows us to further assess commitment, dog-handling skills, and expectations while addressing any questions or concerns.
   

Program Requirements  

1. The mission of Blue Line Dogs is to support First Responder wellness. Therefore, applicants must also apply to their respective agency’s Volunteer Program or Reserve Corps.
2. Accepted applicants must commit to attending required training sessions. Attendance, however, is not a guarantee of continued placement with Blue Line Dogs.
3. Safety, professionalism, and dedication are non-negotiable expectations of every handler and dog team.
    

At Blue Line Dogs, teamwork takes work—and only through a rigorous process can we ensure that our Therapy Dog Teams are fully prepared to serve those who serve our communities.

Handler Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old
•  Must be in good health and physically able to handle their dog safely and skillfully
• Must understand and commit to the mission of Blue Line Dogs
• Must be willing to participate in all required training and program activities

Canine Requirements

• No restrictions on age or breed
• Must successfully pass all required evaluations and temperament tests
• Must be able to remain safe, calm, and reliable in public settings without behavioral issues
• Must provide a current health certificate listing all vaccinations
•  Must be properly licensed in the handler’s jurisdiction

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

Structure and Cost 

• Training for both handler and dog is provided at no cost to participants.
• Sessions are held at locations designated by Blue Line Dogs.
• Handlers and dogs may progress more quickly through training phases based on their individual skills and performance.
• Each phase must be successfully completed before moving on, with a final certification test required at the end of the program.
• All phase testing is administered by Blue Line Dogs Trainers following American Kennel Club (AKC) guidelines, regardless of any previous titles or courses
  

Training Phases
The program begins with basic obedience and gradually advances to complex scenarios and tasks. Training incorporates:

• Controlled exposure to distractions
• Maneuvering through diverse environments
• Realistic scenarios designed to reflect field conditions
  

Handler Coursework 

Upon successful completion of Phase 3, handlers begin additional coursework, which includes:

• Psychological First Aid
• Pet First Aid and CPR
• Suicide Awareness 
• FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) 100 Course
   

At Blue Line Dogs, we stand by our motto:   “Real Training, For Real Dogs, For Real Life!”

We make every effort to ensure our teams are prepared for the environments and situations they will encounter in service.

 Upon completion of Phase 3 training, Handlers are required to:

• Submit a Volunteer Application with their respective partnering Agency.
• Complete a Live Scan background check.

Each Agency maintains its own qualifications and standards for acceptance into their Volunteer Corps.

Current Agency Partnerships

Blue Line Dogs is proud to have active Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) with:

• Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
• Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD)
• Vernon Police Department (VPD)

These partnerships allow Blue Line Dogs Therapy Teams to serve Sworn and Civilian employees as part of each Department’s Wellness Program.

 Upon completion of all phases of training, each Handler/Canine team must successfully pass a final certification test. This test, designed by Blue Line Dogs, evaluates the team’s ability to work safely and effectively in a variety of realistic scenarios.

Certification Process

The evaluation measures:

1. Handler skills – safety, control, communication, and leadership
2. Dog skills – obedience, temperament, focus, and resilience
3. Teamwork – ability to perform as a unit under stress and in dynamic environments
    

Teams that pass are granted Probationary Status for field duty.

Probationary Period

• During probation, teams are monitored by Trainers and Senior Handlers while working in the field.
• This period ensures the Handler and dog can consistently demonstrate readiness, safety, and professionalism.
• Once a team demonstrates competence without supervision, they are advanced to Full Certification.

Annual Re-Certification
All teams must be re-certified every January to ensure continued proficiency, safety, and adherence to program standards.
 

Re-certification covers both Handler and dog skills, with emphasis on maintaining a high level of performance.

Monthly Visits
Each Certified or Probationary Team must complete at least one Facility or Event visit per month.

• Handlers may use one month per year as a vacation month.
• Requirements are subject to change based on program needs.
   

Quarterly Training
All teams are required to attend a minimum of one training session per quarter.

• This ensures ongoing viability of the team.
• Skills in training, handling, and safety are refreshed and maintained.
  

Trainee Attendance
Handler Trainees who miss training sessions for two consecutive months may be asked to reapply for membership. 

Voluntary Service
Participation with Blue Line Dogs is strictly voluntary. Handlers are not compensated for their time or services.

Financial Responsibility
All costs associated with the ownership, training, care, and transportation of the dog are the responsibility of the Handler.

Acknowledgment of Risk
Handlers should be aware that working with and around dogs may involve risk.

Liability
Each Handler is solely responsible for any medical expenses, legal costs, or judgments incurred while serving as a member of Blue Line Dogs, including during field activities or training.

Trainer Qualifications and Responsibilities

Role of Trainers
Trainers are responsible for the supervision, direction, and ongoing development of canine teams. Their expertise ensures that both handlers and dogs meet the high standards required for safe and effective service in the field.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a formal school or completion of extensive formal coursework in canine training.
• At least three years of experience serving as a lead dog trainer.
• Demonstrated ability in the management of multiple dog teams across a variety of training environments and disciplines.
• A minimum of five years of On-the-Job Training (OJT) as a lead dog trainer.
• Certification as an American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator
   

Expectations
Trainers must bring professionalism, safety awareness, and consistency to all aspects of the program, ensuring that each team is fully prepared for deployment in real-world situations.

Scout Role and Qualifications

Scouts are vital members of the team who work without a dog. Their role is to support handlers during field visits, ensuring both safety and effectiveness of interactions. Scouts help create a secure environment by:

• Assisting handlers during visits and deployments.
• Surveying environments for potential safety or logistical issues.
• Identifying individuals who may benefit from interaction with a Therapy Dog Team.
• Respectfully recognizing and honoring individuals who prefer not to engage with a therapy dog.

Training & Requirements
All Scouts must complete the Basic Handler’s Course to gain a solid understanding of:

• Dog handling fundamentals.
• Basic obedience and training principles.
• Program safety protocols.
• The mission and values of Blue Line Dogs.
   

Purpose
Scouts play a critical role in helping our teams provide comfort and support safely, while reinforcing the professionalism and mission focus of the organization.

Managing Statistical Information 

Scheduling 

Media Relations 

Oversees Administrative Personnel