Reading Dog Program
Our Reading Dog Program helps children build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and develop a love of reading in a supportive, judgment-free environment. By reading aloud to our specially trained dogs, children can practice their reading skills at their own pace while forming positive connections with learning.
One paw and one page at a time, we’re helping young readers grow in confidence and discover the joy of reading.
Paws for a Purpose
The Puppy Partners Paws for Purpose class will offer students a unique, hands-on opportunity to work with Bronze Star Service Dogs Inc. puppies in training. Through supervised activities, students will learn about grooming, basic training techniques, proper socialization, and the importance of purposeful play. The program fosters responsibility, empathy, leadership, and community service, while helping prepare future service dogs for their vital roles in assisting individuals with disabilities.
Goals:
• Introduce students to the role of service dogs in the community.
• Teach proper handling, grooming, and care of puppies.
• Develop students’ understanding of positive reinforcement training techniques.
• Support puppies in achieving key socialization milestones.
• Foster compassion, patience, and teamwork in students.
Learning Objectives:
Animal Handling & Care: Students will learn proper techniques for handling, grooming, and caring for puppies under the supervision of trained professionals.
Socialization & Training: Students will assist in socializing guide dog puppies, exposing them to a school environment, supervised play, and basic obedience routines.
Service Learning: Students will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of guide dog programs, how animals serve individuals with disabilities and how their efforts contribute to a greater cause.
Curriculum Integration:
Lessons will be aligned with animal science standards, covering topics such as animal behavior, anatomy, nutrition, and ethical treatment of animals.
Paws of Honor Program
Paws of Honor is a unique volunteer program through Bronze Star Service Dogs, Inc. that brings together veterans, first responders, and service dogs in training to make a meaningful difference.
Participants work directly with our service dogs in training under the guidance of our trainers, helping reinforce obedience, public access skills, confidence, and real-world manners. Whether meeting at a designated training location or working with dogs during public outings, volunteers gain firsthand experience in service dog training while playing an important role in preparing these dogs for future partnerships.
Through this program, veterans and first responders have the opportunity to:
- Learn service dog training techniques and handling skills
- Practice obedience and public access training in real-world environments
- Help socialize and build confidence in service dogs in training
- Develop meaningful connections with the dogs, fellow volunteers, and the community
- Give back by helping prepare highly skilled service dogs for individuals with disabilities
- Every interaction helps create a more confident, adaptable, and reliable service dog. At the same time, participants gain knowledge, purpose, camaraderie, and the satisfaction of contributing to a life-changing mission.
Paws of Honor is built on teamwork, service, and community—working together to help exceptional dogs become exceptional service partners.