Assistance Dogs of the West

Assistance Dogs of the Wests compassionate training approach facilitates the deepest possible bond between humans and animals, and models best practices in social-relationship interactions. With the core value of respect for the singular bond between humans and dogs and their unique ability to work together as a team, Program Director Jill Felice founded Assistance Dogs of the West in 1995. Qualities of kindness, gentleness and respect in training dogs to assist humans define everything that we do. This compassionate training approach facilitates the deepest possible bond between humans and animals. ADWs programs model best practices in social-relationship interactions. The keystone of ADWs program is teaching diverse student populations to support the work of professional dog trainers. Encouraging youth leadership is vital to who we are. In the dog-training process, quality and quantity of learning are served. Every ADW dog learns a minimum of 90 commands. Additional training th...