In the heart of Alaska, where resilience is a way of life and connection to community runs deep, therapy dogs are quietly transforming lives. From bustling Anchorage clinics to remote village schools, trained therapy dog teams are bringing comfort, stability, and emotional support to those who need it most.
At Alaska Dog Works, we’ve spent over two decades building a legacy of excellence in training working dogs. Now, we’re proud to introduce our newest offering: The DAWGS Program (Dogs Assisting With Grace) a premier therapy dog training program designed specifically for Alaskans.
Whether you’re a mental health professional, educator, pastor, or simply someone who wants to make a difference with your dog, the DAWGS Program equips you with the tools, structure, and ongoing support you need to succeed.
Why Therapy Dogs Matter in Alaska
Alaskans face unique challenges, long winters, remote living, and limited access to mental health services in some areas. In such an environment, therapy dogs are more than companions; they’re lifelines.
These specially trained dogs offer:
Emotional Support during times of grief, trauma, or crisis
Encouragement for youth in schools and reading programs
Calming presence in therapy sessions or medical offices
Connection for isolated or elderly individuals
From a clinical setting to community outreach, therapy dogs serve as non-judgmental partners that bridge emotional gaps in ways even humans sometimes cannot.
But not every dog — or handler — is ready for this role. That’s where the DAWGS Program steps in.
What is the DAWGS Program?
DAWGS stands for Dogs Assisting With Grace, and it’s the culmination of 20+ years of dog training, handler education, and real-world experience here in Alaska.
This is not a cookie-cutter course you’ll find online or in the Lower 48. The DAWGS Program is tailored to Alaska’s rugged terrain, diverse communities, and demanding environments.
Program Features:
Comprehensive Curriculum: We cover everything from basic obedience to advanced public access work, emotional intelligence in dogs, and handler communication techniques.
Real-World Scenarios: Training takes place in clinics, schools, libraries, places of worship, and other public settings where therapy teams operate.
🐾 Personalized Coaching: Our experienced trainers, including Dr. Robert Forto, provide one-on-one feedback to help each dog-handler team succeed.
Credentialed Testing & Certification: You’ll be guided through AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Community Canine, and ultimately, our therapy dog certification tailored for Alaska.
Handler Development: You’ll gain skills in advocacy, dog communication, and professional interaction, all critical when working with vulnerable populations.
And perhaps most importantly, you’re never alone. The DAWGS Program includes a thriving community of fellow handlers and ongoing support well after certification.
Who Should Enroll?
The DAWGS Program is ideal for:
1. Mental Health Professionals
Therapists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers often report that therapy dogs open emotional doors with clients faster than traditional talk therapy. Our training prepares you to incorporate your dog ethically and effectively into sessions.
2. Educators and School Counselors
Schools across Alaska are turning to therapy dog teams to support students experiencing stress, anxiety, and trauma. A DAWGS-certified team can assist with reading programs, SEL initiatives, and crisis recovery.
3. Clergy and Pastoral Staff
For faith leaders, a therapy dog can be a quiet companion during grief counseling or hospital visits. Our program teaches dogs to work calmly in spiritual and communal spaces.
4. Veterans and First Responders
Therapy dog teams trained through DAWGS can help create peer-support programs within fire stations, police departments, and veteran centers.
5. Community Members with the Right Dog
Even if you don’t work in a clinical profession, you can still become a certified therapy team. Many of our most successful graduates are individuals who simply wanted to give back, and had the right dog to do it.
What Makes DAWGS Different?
There are national organizations that offer therapy dog certification. So what makes DAWGS by Alaska Dog Works stand out?
Alaska-Centric Approach
We train dogs to work confidently in unpredictable conditions, icy sidewalks, loud snowplows, heated indoor spaces, and more. Your dog learns to adapt to your Alaskan lifestyle.
Local Partnerships
We work with schools, offices, clinics, and nonprofits across the state, and we understand the protocols for accessing these spaces safely and legally.
Proven Track Record
We’ve placed therapy dogs across the country, but our most impactful work is here in Alaska. Our DAWGS graduates are working in offices, hospitals, and even airports today.
Lifetime Support
Graduates of the DAWGS Program gain access to continuing education, team evaluations, and handler community forums. We’re with you for the long haul.
What Does the Training Include?
Here’s a snapshot of the 3-phase DAWGS pathway:
Phase 1: Foundational Training
Obedience & focus work
Socialization with people, dogs, and distractions
Canine Good Citizen prep
Phase 2: Intermediate Therapy Skills
Controlled exposure to wheelchairs, walkers, crutches
Responding calmly to emotional expressions (crying, yelling)
Long-duration settles in public places
Handler verbal and nonverbal cueing
Phase 3: Advanced Certification
Therapy-specific scenarios (schools, counseling rooms, etc.)
Community Canine and Public Access Training
Mock sessions with actors and feedback loops
Final team evaluation and certification
We also include specialized modules for professionals who want to integrate therapy dogs into their existing practice, including liability concerns, client interaction etiquette, and session planning.
Is My Dog a Good Candidate?
Not every dog is suited for therapy work, and that’s okay. But many dogs, with the right temperament and training, can excel in this field.
Ideal therapy dog traits include:
Calm demeanor in new environments
Friendliness toward strangers
Confidence with new sights, sounds, and smells
Gentle responses to emotional energy (no jumping, barking, or overexcitement)
Our trainers will assess your dog’s suitability and help you build a custom training plan. If your dog isn’t ready yet, we’ll give you a roadmap to get there, or help match you with a suitable canine partner.
The Impact of a DAWGS Team
Our graduates go on to do incredible things. Like the Labrador Retriever who works weekly in a Palmer classroom helping children with anxiety practice breathing techniques. Or the shepherd mix who assists in trauma recovery groups in Fairbanks. Or the golden retriever who sits beside hospice patients in Anchorage, bringing comfort in their final days.
One team at a time, we’re building a stronger, more emotionally supported Alaska.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’ve ever felt called to do more with your dog, to reach people, to give back, to create connection, the DAWGS Program is your next step.
Let’s build something powerful together. Whether you’re in Anchorage, Wasilla, Juneau, or anywhere in between, we’re here to help you and your dog make a difference.
📞 Call us at 206-752-DOGS to schedule your strategy call today.
Let’s talk about your goals, your dog, and how we can help you create a certified therapy dog team that’s ready to serve Alaska.
Alaska Dog Works
Your trusted partner in training working dogs for over 20 years.
https://alaskadogworks.com
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