Working Dogs For Warriors

Working Dogs For Warriors began in 2016 as a nonprofit with a specific mission: training service dogs for veterans and first responders dealing with post-traumatic stress. Co-founder Daisy Welsh, a retired 911 dispatcher, describes witnessing how PTSD affects people in those roles and how service dogs can provide support. Her husband Michael Welsh serves as lead trainer, guiding participants through a multi-phase program that includes volunteer work, foundation obedience, public access training, and a final proficiency evaluation before graduation.

The Rancho Cucamonga organization received the Service to the Armed Forces Hero Award from the Southern California Red Cross in 2022, according to their website. Beyond their core veteran and first responder programs, they run what they call a Care Team K9 initiative—training dogs for first responder agencies to help personnel cope after difficult incidents. They also operate a therapy dog program that places certified volunteer teams in hospitals and schools.

For general dog owners, the organization offers group classes, private sessions, and boarding programs. Their puppy board-and-train runs three weeks and covers housebreaking, crate training, socialization, and basic commands, with follow-up sessions included. The facility includes training kennels, a self-serve dog wash, and a small retail area. They can also administer AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluations on request.