At Paragon we specialize in raising and training facility dogs tailored to work seamlessly alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds in settings such as schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and first responder environments. A facility dog is not merely a comforting presence within a residential or clinic setting; they are a highly skilled companion trained to perform specific tasks across various situations, interacting with multiple clients.

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 Applicants for Facility Dogs who will meet the above definitions, with the following stipulations: 

The primary dog handler is age 21 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; educator; or first responder. 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; fire or police station; or other therapeutic, educational, or healthcare setting. Exceptions may be made for other setting types.

FACILITY DOG PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

phase 1 - application & evaluation

Applications are reviewed by our Applicant Review Committee, which may conduct follow-up via email, phone, or virtual meetings before offering approved applicants a client-handler evaluation. The evaluation includes an onsite meeting and public outing to assess suitability, goals, and potential facility dog matches.

phase 2 - handler & special task training

Applicants approved by Paragon staff to enter into Phase 2 will spend up to two months working in our online Google classroom, which includes reading, videos, and homework assignments. Applicants must be actively engaged and completing assignments. 

During Phase 2, Paragon's training team focuses on the Specialty Task Training necessary for the dog to be able to fulfill its Facility Dog role. Trainers will work with the dog to master specific interactive cues and behaviors needed for an individual client-handler. 

phase 3 - team training

Phase 3 consists of two weeks of either on-site team training at Paragon or a mix of training at Paragon and facility location if local. 

To facilitate a strong, positive connection, the Team Training has three concentrations.

• Classroom Instruction: Clients learn cues, training techniques, training theory and participate in the execution of short training exercises to create a foundation for honing skills and a solid connection.
• Environmental Learning: Challenge-based field trips take the training beyond cues and sound alerts and introduce the team to public work scenarios.
• Graduation: Passing the specialized facility dog certification marks the beginning of their life-changing journey together.

phase 4 - ongoing support, training & re-certification

Once a dog/handler team has successfully completed Phase 3, including their initial ADI Certification, that Dog/Handler Team becomes a “Forever Team” with Paragon. The Team will be involved in ongoing training for recertification necessary to maintain their Facility Team status.