The puppies and dogs that make up Blue Ridge Assistance Dogs are obtained through our own breeding program, other breeders, shelters and donations. Each pup is carefully evaluated as to suitability for the program. They are housetrained, taught basic obedience skills and develop excellent manners in public and at home.

Throughout the training program, the puppies and dogs are continuously and carefully screened and tested for good temperament, good health, and safety of the individual and the dog. 

Puppies are raised in loving Puppy Raisers’ homes. An important part of the Puppy Raising Program involves exposure of the young dogs to settings and situations that are similar to what they will experience during their working life. When they are 18-months old, they are brought to the BRAD Training Facility for an average of six months of intensive training where they learn and become confident in specialized commands and tasks. During training, the Puppy Raiser or Trainer will take them in clothing or grocery stores, a theater, or a restaurant to accustom them to public places.

Once a recipient is accepted into the program, the person is teamed with an Assistance Dog that has the needed skills and a good personality match with the recipient, thereby increasing the success of the Team.

During the two-week Team Training at the BRAD facility, both new owner and dog learn to work together to create a new feeling of independence for the recipient and a wonderful bond of love between them.

Throughout the Team’s life together, there are follow-up visits and conversations to help maintain important communication between the person with the disability and the Assistance Dog, as well as the connection between the Team and Blue Ridge Assistance Dogs.

The final Public Access Test, done at an outside facility, affirms that the owner and dog are a team than can move confidently and safely anywhere.

Blue Ridge Assistance Dogs welcomes inquiries from anyone who would benefit from the independence and the special bond that forms with a Service Dog or a Social/Therapy Dog.