Dogs for Better Lives

Incorporated in 1977, Dogs for Better Lives (dbl) is the oldest hearing dog training center in the united states, and among one of the first assistance dog organizations in the world to be fully accredited by assistance Dogs international (adi). Dbl trainers must complete an in-depth three-year apprenticeship program to become certified as assistance dog trainers. Dbl is unique in that certified trainers bring the trained assistance Dogs to the clients' homes for placement, allowing for customized one-to-one client training and support. Additionally, the organization has one of the most thorough follow-up programs in the assistance dog sector. In november 2017, the national nonprofit changed its name from Dogs for the Deaf to Dogs for Better Lives to Better encompass the range of assistance Dogs it trains and places, which includes hearing Dogs, autism assistance Dogs, facility Dogs, and career change Dogs. Dbl trains shelter Dogs evaluated for appropriate temperament, confidence, and work ethic and with purpose-bred Dogs within its own breeding program and through partnerships with affiliated service dog organizations across the united states, particularly guide dog programs. Dogs begin extensive training, which can take four to 6 months or longer for each dog. Once trained, Dogs are carefully matched with applicants from a waiting list. Certified trainers take the Dogs to the clients' homes to teach them how to maintain the Dogs' training. After placement, clients are supported for the life of the Dogs by conducting ongoing guidance, aftercare, and in person follow-up visits. Dbl does not require fees or deposits thus Dogs are provided at no cost to their clients. In the fiscal year 2022-23, dbl launched two new programs the prison puppy raising program in cooperation with two correctional institutions in Ohio to help raise puppies for our program. In this unique program, incarcerated handlers raise and train puppies who will one day work as assistance Dogs. Dbl staff teaches the handlers to work with the Dogs using positive reinforcement training techniques and general obedience skills that lay the foundation for future assistance dog training at one of dbl's training campuses. And the from shelter to service dog program in partnership with operation kindness in dallas, Texas, dbl works with shelter staff and foster volunteers to identify and train shelter Dogs who may be good candidates for our assistance dog program with the goal of helping more people and Dogs in need. Dbl maintained regular contact with and provided support for 145 existing clients and 27 waitlist clients. Dbl rescued 10 Dogs from shelters; found homes for eight returned shelter Dogs; bred 7 puppies; and acquired 29 Dogs through networking with other service dog agencies. the organization placed a total of 52 Dogs: 15 hearing Dogs, five facility dog, 27 career change Dogs, and five Dogs were transferred to become successful working Dogs.

Dbl's public education is primarily done through sharing of digital online media and printed materials, including its monthly enewsletter, quarterly magazine, canine listener, and annual report. Regularly, the organization presents on campus, in-person, and virtually online to several diverse audiences across the nation, demonstrating how the Dogs are trained to help people, need for puppy raisers and breeder caretakers for an ever-growing breeding program, and further need for regional volunteer leaders to advocate for its national programs. Dbl is continuing to develop its volunteer programs through the launching and growth of its regional advisory boards (rab) across the country, including California, pacific northwest (or, wa), and northeast (ma, nj, nj, and va). This national program plays a critical role to dbl, in helping to advocate for and educate people about the organization's mission, share powerful impact, and engage volunteers, among other opportunities. As a result of its outreach and cultivation efforts, dbl continues to receive consistent income from bequests, foundations, community/club organizations, along with current donors and the general public placing the organization in their estate plans. Dbl's national board has continued to grow and diversify with 20 volunteer members currently, including 15 representatives outside of Oregon. the board includes clients, veterinarians, and an impressive diversification of backgrounds including marketing, law, finance, information technology, medicine, and human resources. Companies represented, include microsoft, lithia motors u.s. bank, university of Washington, trimble, and toyota, among others.