canine assisted education
Our Canine Assisted Education programs bring learning to life by pairing youth with canine companions in engaging, hands-on experiences. Through the TRUE BLUE Youth & Canine Leadership Academy and Junior Dog Handler programs, students learn far more than how to train a dog—they discover how to become calm, consistent, and loving leaders.
As youth learn to understand, communicate with, and care for their canine companions, they develop leadership, responsibility, confidence, self-discipline, and essential life skills that extend far beyond the training field.
Because when a young person learns to lead with patience, purpose, and compassion, both the student and the dog have the opportunity to thrive.
TRUE BLUE
YOUTH AND CANINE
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Building TRUE BLUE Leaders through Canine Behavioral Training and Strategic Personal Development.
TRUE BLUE Academy participants engage in hands-on canine training sessions and personal development, online canine 101 materials, learn from guest speakers, participate in a field trip, complete a group capstone project, and celebrate their journey at graduation. The six sessions include personal leadership development, practical hands-on dog training experience, and comprehensive canine care and training.
ELEGIBILITY: Students ages 10-15 (Students 16-19 can apply to be student volunteers. Click the Get Involved Tab) Resident of Laurens/Newberry County. Dogs provided by White Dog Blue. APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete Online Interest Form Attend In-Person Interview with Parent or Guardian Complete & Return Application Packet by Required Date
STATEGIC PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
CANINE BEHAVIORAL TRAINING
JUNIOR
DOG HANDLER TRAINING
Inspiring calm, consistent, loving leaders.
Junior Dog Handler Training (TRUE BLUE Mini Sessions) are 90 minute sessions offered throughout the year. Class sizes are small and are grouped by age. Sessions include hands-on Dog Training, Safety, Skills, and Tools. Additional on-line resources and education are promoted. Students also receive a TRUE BLUE T-Shirt. Interested students may for the next semester at the TRUE BLUE Youth and Canine Leadership Academy.
ELEGIBILITY: Students ages 7-10 & 11-15 (Classes are grouped by age) Resident of Laurens/Newberry County. Dogs provided by White Dog Blue. APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete Online and Release Forms Select Class Date - If the class is full, you will be notified and put on a waiting list or offered another session date/time.
