Become a Youth Trainer
The Paws and Boots for Good Youth Program is a hands-on training course where participants learn to train carefully screened dogs from local families to become therapy dogs.
Through twice-weekly sessions, youth develop confidence, communication skills, patience, and responsibility while learning safe and effective dog-training techniques. At the same time, the dogs receive regular practice and socialization in a structured, supportive environment.
What Makes Our Program Unique
In our program, most youth do not train their own dogs. Instead, they work with carefully screened dogs from local families, giving them the opportunity to develop real training skills while helping prepare the dogs to become therapy dogs.
After the youth course is completed, the dogs’ families continue the training and take part in therapy visits in the community. This full-circle model allows youth, dogs, and families to work together to do good.
What Youth Learn
Through our youth program, participants learn the concepts behind successful dog training and apply them while working with family dogs on the path to becoming therapy dogs. Along the way, they gain confidence, responsibility, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. Youth quickly discover that the same principles that help their dog succeed can also help them succeed in life, giving them tools they can use in school, relationships, and future challenge
Participants in the program learn:
- Safe handling and training skills
- Clear communication and teamwork
- Patience and responsibility
- Confidence in working with animals and people
- How their work can make a difference in the community
Youth are guided by experienced instructors and learn through demonstration, practice, and teamwork.
Program Structure
The youth course takes place over several months with regular group sessions that include instruction and hands-on training with the dogs.
Sessions focus on building the skills needed for the dogs to become calm, reliable therapy dogs while helping youth gain confidence and experience in a supportive environment.
The work done by youth during the training course continues beyond the classroom. After the youth program is completed, the dogs’ families continue training and take part in therapy visits that provide reading support to children and comfort to seniors and others in care.
Who The Program is For
The program is designed for youth who:
- Enjoy working with dogs
- Want to build confidence and responsibility
- Like hands-on learning
- Want to earn community service hours
- Want to be part of something that helps others
No previous dog-training experience is required.
Through hands-on training, teamwork, and community service, the program helps create confidence for youth, purpose for dogs, and good for the community.
