About Dogs for Better Lives

Assistance dogs from Central Point

Dogs for Better Lives, formerly known as Dogs for the Deaf, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose West Coast Campus sits on a 40-acre site at the base of Lower Table Rock in Central Point. It was founded in 1977 by the late Roy G. Kabat and describes itself as the oldest provider of Hearing Assistance Dogs in the U.S. The campus houses its breeding program, Assistance Dog training and puppy raiser programs.

The dogs

It rescues or breeds, trains and places Assistance Dogs free of charge. Hearing Dogs alert people to household sounds needed for everyday safety and independence. Autism Assistance Dogs help children and families living with autism, with a minimum of three tasks to keep children grounded and focused. Facility Dogs go to work with professionals such as physicians, teachers, counselors, police officers and child advocates. It trains shelter dogs as well as purpose-bred dogs, and trainers place each dog in the client's own home.

How training works

Its training program is based on rewarding or playing with the dog every time they work, with consistent practice, patience and praise.

What to ask

Ask about application requirements, wait times and puppy raiser or volunteer roles.