The Little Dog Laughed
Animal-Assisted Therapy
We teach relationship and
problem-solving skills to
youths through classes in
positive dog training.
The Little Dog Laughed
Animal-Assisted Therapy
We teach relationship and
problem-solving skills to
youths through classes in
positive dog training.
OUR MISSION
To use the joy of dog training in support of behavioral therapy professionals in their effort to nurture empathy and non-violent problem solving skills.
WHO WE ARE
We are an all-volunteer 501(c)3 organization serving the Portland Metro area. Our therapy teams are dog/handler pairs who are ably assisted by others who share the vision.
WHAT WE DO
Our S.T.A.R. (See Tag And Reward) Teams teach non-violent relationship and problem-solving skills to at-risk youths through classes in positive dog training.
Meet Our 2026 Training Sponsors!
The amazing Community 101 class at the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) nominated us for an Oregon Community Foundation grant – and we got it!
We are now ready to accept applications for our next round of training, starting with the Basic Qualifications Test Prep series of classes, described on our Team Training page.
And A Good Time Was Had By All
Harmony Montessori invited us out for their Dog Safety Day on May 6. We were happy to come! In the grassy area behind their main building, we met with 68 (!) younglings ages almost-3 to almost-5 (!) in waves of 15 kids at a time(!).
Laura+Ember, Patty+Rosie, and Linda+2 stuffies covered:
- What do you do if you see a dog you want to meet? (Answer: check with your adult first, then ask the handler, then ask the dog)
- How do you give a treat safely? (Answer: “Flat hand like a plate”)
- What do you do it there’s a dog bothering you that you DON’T want to meet? (Answer: “Be A Tree” — small stuffy playing the role of “barky dog”)
- Then practice meeting our REAL dogs! (Stuffies for those who were hesitant)
Interested in becoming one of our teams?
We invite you to "Try-It-Out"!
Target Audience: Handlers and dogs who want to explore the notion of becoming a S.T.A.R. team. Participation does NOT commit you to going any further in our program but it does give you "first dibs" on the limited number of spots in the full Test Prep Series.
- First Step: We'd like to meet with you online to chat first! Easy peasy – just send an email introducing yourself to recruiting@theLittleDogLaughed.org to kick things off. After we've had a chance to get to know you and answer your questions, we'll schedule a "Try-It-Out" session so we can meet your dog and watch you work together.
- What would you do at the Try-It-Out? Activities usually include:
- Training a simple new behavior using the clicker: You will select one of our props and using JUST a clicker teach your dog to touch it with its nose/paw.
- Changing handlers – each dog/handler will teach one of their dog's current cues to another person (our senior handlers).
- Mini‐Rally course – can you keep your dog’s attention for a short obedience rally course?
- When/Where:
Pre-arranged Saturday mornings at Pup-A-Razzi Beaverton - Cost: Free
Don’t Have A Dog But Want to Support Our Work?
We’re looking for volunteers interested in helping with the growing list of “back office” functions needed to keep our organization running:
- Grant Seeker / Writer – We do not charge clients for our visits, and we receive no government support – our work is funded completely by contributions from people and organizations that recognize the value of what we teach.
- Liaison to existing and potential clients
Examples: DV shelters, schools, foster organizations - Liaison to educational institutions assessing our program
Example: Pacific University Psychology Dept. - Fundraising (manage relationships with local businesses, events)
Example: Western Pet Supply and Green Dog both give S.T.A.R. teams a 10% discount - Assist as needed during S.T.A.R. Team Practices
- Assist as needed during new Team training and testing
Examples: Clicker Training 101, Fun tricks with (you name it) prop, humane education “best practices”, effects of trauma on children - Spokesperson (presentations explaining the program, sometimes on camera)
- Staffing a booth at an outreach event (like the Volunteer Expo!)
- Social Media management (Facebook, Instagram)
