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Steve Hardenbergh, a U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran and his doberman puppy in 2005, practicing basic obedience class.
U.S. Army Veteran, Collina Rosales, works with Ivy, a Rottweiler Puppy that is
being helped in our classes
to work on basic obedience + manners for
a family that needed extra help.
OUR PROGRAMS
In 2005, Circle of Change was founded with the purpose of helping U.S. Military Veterans suffering the challenges of living with PTSD, TBIs and effects of trauma post-service, through innovative dog training and handling experiences.
why dogs?
why dogs.
Studies show that dogs can help humans:
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Lower Blood Pressure
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Elevate Dopamine + Oxytocin (Aid in Positive Feelings)
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Reduce Stress + Anxiety
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Ease Loneliness
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Encourage Exercise
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Improve All-Around Health
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Increase Self-Worth (Responsibility leads to skills)
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Aid in Socialization (Particularly individuals ages 50+)
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Increases Sense of Purpose
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A Dog Will Never Judge
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who do we serve?
Circle of Change is a nonprofit that targets specific groups of individuals that are at a higher than average risk of dying by suicide. We currently offer free dog programs for the following groups:
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U.S. Military Veterans (with or without dogs)
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Youth (ages 9-19) with a mental health diagnosis/or community partner referral
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First Responders, both currently serving & retired
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do we train service dogs?
Though we have individuals that have brought or trained their service dog in our program, we are a "people" organization that utilizes dogs. That means while you will likely learn a lot about the different dog breeds, caring for a dog, basic obedience, and more, we do not train service dogs.
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In fact, you do not need to own a dog or bring your own dog to participate. Circle of Change is a wonderful place to gain skills before getting a dog, or to enjoy working and interacting with a dog, without all the responsibilities.
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can i bring my dog to train?
A participant can bring their own dog to utilize and train in the program. Their are certain safety standards that we maintain for all our dog programming, however. Your dog must be current on all communicable disease vaccines (including kennel cough), be free of flea + ticks, and be cleared for participation by Circle of Change or our expert dog trainers. Though in the adult classes, we often work on behavioral rehabilitation with many of the dogs, safety is ALWAYS our number one goal for every class.
Youth participant, Anthony, works with a beautiful Swiss Mountain Dog. Gracie, the Swiss Mountain Dog is a therapy dog, who works with her handler, Karen, through Bright + Beautiful Therapy Dogs.
how can i join a class?
​Use the JOIN A CLASS button below.
Please be aware, our classes are free to all approved participants. Our classes are paid for through community grants, fundraisers, and private donors. Our rotations are 8-weeks long and registration is required before starting classes. We do accept enrollments at any point in the class rotation.
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Weekly class attendance is strongly advised. If a participant misses more than 2 classes, without communicating with the organization, that participant runs the risk of losing their spot, if their is a waiting list.
Learn More
Our programs are uniquely designed to go beyond basic obedience, fostering a supportive environment where individuals and dogs thrive together. You'll build lasting peer relationships and develop vital skills that truly benefit both ends of the leash, creating a healthier, more confident future.
