overview

For individuals who already share a bond with their canine companion and aspire to harness their potential, Paragon offers an Owner Trained Facility Dog Program.

Owner Trained Teams undergo a six-month training journey guided by our trainers in a comprehensive, hands-on approach, meeting the same exacting standards as ADI-certified Service Dogs.

what is a facility dog?

Assistance Dogs International (ADI) defines a Facility Dog as a specially trained dog meeting ADI standards who works with a trained professional or volunteer handler in residential, clinical, or educational settings. The work of a facility dog generally includes visitations or professional therapy, and the dog must be trained to do specific, skilled tasks in a variety of different situations within the facility environment. Public access (dog in vest) is permitted in the U.S. only when the dog and handler, who is a trained professional or volunteer, is directly working with a client with a disability.

who we work with

At Paragon, we consider working with Handlers and Facility Dogs striving to meet the above definitions as part of our Owner Training Program with the following stipulations: 

The primary dog handler is age 18 or over. A secondary adult handler may also be approved for training. Persons who are not trained by Paragon are not permitted to be the dog’s handler during visitations or therapy sessions.

The primary dog handler is typically a professional, such as a social worker; mental health therapist; physical or occupational therapist or healthcare provider; or an educator. Exceptions may be made for others engaged in appropriate roles, whether paid or volunteer.

The Facility Dog Team will be working regularly in a setting such as a school; therapist practice; clinic; hospital; residential; or other therapeutic, educational, or healthcare setting. Exceptions may be made for other setting types.

OWNER TRAINED FACILITY DOG PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

phase 1 - application & evaluation

Complete applications that are submitted reviewed by our Applicant Review Committee, which will conduct additional follow up via email, phone, and virtual meetings.

An evaluation will be conducted by a Paragon trainer(s) and will consist of three meetings: an initial meeting at our facility and two public outings. Dogs must be accompanied by their individual client-handler. During the evaluation, our staff will be determining if our specialized program is likely to be a good fit for you as a team. The evaluation fee is $100. This fee will be put toward Training Phase 2 if the dog/handler team is approved to move forward. 

Moving Forward - We are here to support you every step of the way, but Paragon cannot guarantee that Owner-Trained teams will meet the standards necessary for the dog to be certified as a working facility dog. We will discuss progress as we move through the process together.

Paragon trainers will identify clear goals for each week's work, including clear plans for homework to reinforce training and skills. The client-handler should be able to demonstrate the required proficiency from the trainer’s perspective of where the dog and/or client-handler should be at each step of the training process. For example, a rating scale may be used from “no goals were met” to “most” or “all goals were met”. 

phase 2 - cues, socialization, & public outings

Depending on the age and ability of the dog and handler, Phase 2 will typically run for 3-4 months. During this Phase the handler and dog will meet with the trainer two times weekly; have reading and homework assignments to complete, generally in our online Google classroom; and will meet the trainer for training at the Paragon facility, in public venues, and at the handler’s home. The dog/handler team will be expected to successfully pass the Canine Good Citizen test prior to the end of Phase 2.

The Phase 2 fee is $1,000 - $2,000. This fee is not refundable if the work is not completed because the handler is not meeting the requirements for training – attendance (90+% required), practice sessions, completing assignments etc. This fee, prorated based on the point in the training process, is refundable if the training is discontinued prior to completion because the Paragon trainers determine during the Phase Two process that the dog is not appropriate for facility work.

Again, it’s possible that a team might not be successful with this model, in which case we’d discuss with you options for the dog’s future.

phase 3 - specialty task training

Phase 3 focuses on the Specialty Task Training necessary for the dog to be able to fulfill its Facility Dog role. Phase 3 will typically run for a few months. The trainer will work with the dog and handler, meeting two to three times weekly, to master specific interactive cues and behaviors needed for the facility work. Upon completion of Phase 3 the dog handler team will be expected to successfully pass the Public Access Test administered in an appropriate environment and with elements relevant to the dog’s future work.

The Phase 3 fee is $1,000 - $2,000. This fee is not refundable if the work is not completed because the handler is not meeting the requirements for training – attendance (90+% required), practice sessions, completing assignments etc. This fee, prorated based on the point in the training process, is refundable if the training is discontinued prior to completion because the Paragon trainers determine during the Phase 3 process that the dog is not appropriate for the facility work.

phase 4 - ongoing support, training & re-certification

Once a dog/handler team has successfully completed Phase 3; has successfully completed all evaluations; and has received their initial ADI Certification; that Dog/Handler Team becomes a “Forever Team” with Paragon. The Team will be eligible for ongoing check-ins; phone and in-person support from the trainers; and six-month and annual recertification necessary to maintain ADI status. There is no fee for Phase 4.