One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

In working within the industry, I have always been aware of the lack of sufficient behavior services. Though, reading this and seeing the statistics, it is so obvious that there are many animals falling between the cracks, and lashing out in obvious cries for assistance.

I started a conversation a few weeks ago about an elementary school for canines, however in our discussion of bouncing off ideas the biggest barrier was funding. We are currently restructuring our entire foster care program at the animal sanctuary that I represent in hopes to establish a program of this kind. I am eager to see what others have to say to help our animal friends through this crisis.

Thank you for this prompt and for bringing it to everyone's attention.

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

Hi Elise,

Agreed! Funding is definitely a big barrier as not only is there often not enough funding dedicated to behavior and training, to begin with, but often behavior and training services cost more than common medical or supply needs.  $1500 can rehabilitate one dog with issues that take her from being unadoptable to adoptable but it's hard to raise $1500 for behavior when that equates to spaying or neutering six dogs or providing three months of nutrition to twelve dogs in need. 

I think a lot of public and donor education will be needed regarding the severity of the problem and the life-and-death difference that behavior and training can make. Assessing a real value to what some may seem as another line item. 

In working within the industry, I have always been aware of the lack of sufficient behavior services. Though, reading this and seeing the statistics, it is so obvious that there are many animals falling between the cracks, and lashing out in obvious cries for assistance.

I started a conversation a few weeks ago about an elementary school for canines, however in our discussion of bouncing off ideas the biggest barrier was funding. We are currently restructuring our entire foster care program at the animal sanctuary that I represent in hopes to establish a program of this kind. I am eager to see what others have to say to help our animal friends through this crisis.

Thank you for this prompt and for bringing it to everyone's attention.

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

We feel passionate about the turnaround that dogs are able to make as well, being no such thing as a bad dog is a serious statement that I agree with more than any.

In a dream world, we would be able to get government funding to open elementary schools for dogs. Replace doggy daycares with "daily" maintenance training for fosters, owned pets, and shelter pets alike. More people would be able to foster and adopt because leaving your pup alone all day would be a thing of the past. Dogs that are a risk of homelessness or euthanasia would get long-term proper training and consistent carry-out without putting extra pressure on pet parents!

However, as we've all agreed, funding is always the biggest roadblock, and saying that government funding would fix everything, is definitely not the answer especially when they're already so many things that are lacking within the system as is, (especially our foster care for children, etc). 

A few years ago, I wanted to start getting serious about becoming a dog trainer myself. I had two dogs of my own whom I was the sole caregiver, so I figured; maybe,  just maybe, if I was willing to relocate anywhere in the United States, I would be able to find a school where I could bring my two dogs and we could live on site so that I didn't have to pay for rent in addition to the school.

For days, I collected a significant amount of notes from every school that I came across online and one that stood out above all the rest was a Texas school called Starmark.

First, I loved that they said to bring 2 dogs of ANY temperament. Even the worst of behaviors are rarely turned away, if at all.  Secondly, they mentioned that if you did not bring two dogs with you, they have a partnership with rescues where they will pull dogs in and train them to their highest potential and then adopt them out.

What I loved about this most was that the school had canine police dog training, search and rescue training, agility training, service dog training, as well as all of the basics on several levels. I didn't do enough research to be able to say that this is the best school by any means, however, the concept there stayed in my mind.

If we had more schools like that nationwide, then we have people that are able to use FASFA for gaining Dog Training certifications and experience, while also directly assisting some of our toughest cases and lifting them up in the category that they flourish in the most. Coming from that direction, (human) students also have an on-site externship near the end of graduation with the pups in our community that need this the most.

My proposal would be that several like-minded educational schools that were passionate about this mission, come together.

Say, one department is a vet tech program, another is dog training, and one is grooming,  all under one roof. A classroom structure for the enrichment and group activities with the same dogs in their classrooms each day (insert dog behavioralist certification opportunities and electives; art, music, agility, recess) rather than doggy daycare open play that consistently confuses the pack pecking order.

Allowing field trips where we can give tours like a college campus would is also a big one in my mind. I know when I was near graduating high school, a place to help me understand the options within the animal industry would have saved many years of back and forth, but also would have educated me much sooner about the epidemic of animal homelessness, and the importance of many animal care practices in owning my own dogs.

 Surely I can't be the only person that has thought of something like this, so there must be barriers I am uneducated in that would hold that back. I'd love to know where others see the most flaws in a system as such. 

Thank you for all of the engagement!

Hi Elise,

Agreed! Funding is definitely a big barrier as not only is there often not enough funding dedicated to behavior and training, to begin with, but often behavior and training services cost more than common medical or supply needs.  $1500 can rehabilitate one dog with issues that take her from being unadoptable to adoptable but it's hard to raise $1500 for behavior when that equates to spaying or neutering six dogs or providing three months of nutrition to twelve dogs in need. 

I think a lot of public and donor education will be needed regarding the severity of the problem and the life-and-death difference that behavior and training can make. Assessing a real value to what some may seem as another line item. 

In working within the industry, I have always been aware of the lack of sufficient behavior services. Though, reading this and seeing the statistics, it is so obvious that there are many animals falling between the cracks, and lashing out in obvious cries for assistance.

I started a conversation a few weeks ago about an elementary school for canines, however in our discussion of bouncing off ideas the biggest barrier was funding. We are currently restructuring our entire foster care program at the animal sanctuary that I represent in hopes to establish a program of this kind. I am eager to see what others have to say to help our animal friends through this crisis.

Thank you for this prompt and for bringing it to everyone's attention.

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

Given the usually restricted funding for government shelters, hiring a certificated animal behaviorist is beyond many organizations' means.  There are more obstacles though.  As a certificated Animal Behaviorist, what I can do is quite limited as I am a volunteer.  Even were the organization to offer my services to guardians who need help, they couldn't charge, and couldn't provide insurance/legal cover for me, the guardian, or the animal.  As much of an issue is the staff are unionized, which I support 100% having been a union member for decades.  But it means a non-union member doing work that might be fulfilled by a union member is not allowed without extended negotiations.

What I am able to do is talk with someone in the adoption process, assess their experience, and offer suggestions on how to integrate an animal into their home with the least disruption and 'conflict'.  Most adopters are very open when I approach them.  I just wish it was part of the services offered as a matter of course, starting when someone brings an animal in for surrender.

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

Have you tried Good Pup?  They will offer a free week of online training, and discounts after that if it comes through a shelter (animal doesn't have to be adopted from the shelter, they just need the shelter qr code provided on flyer).

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

I will check out Good Pup, thanks. I wonder if there's something like that for cats. Lots of first time cat owners don't know where to start. 

Have you tried Good Pup?  They will offer a free week of online training, and discounts after that if it comes through a shelter (animal doesn't have to be adopted from the shelter, they just need the shelter qr code provided on flyer).

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

Have you tried Good Pup?  They will offer a free week of online training, and discounts after that if it comes through a shelter (animal doesn't have to be adopted from the shelter, they just need the shelter qr code provided on flyer).

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

Have you tried Good Pup?  They will offer a free week of online training, and discounts after that if it comes through a shelter (animal doesn't have to be adopted from the shelter, they just need the shelter qr code provided on flyer).

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

This is a great conversation to start! I definitely don't have all the answers but can address what we are doing at the moment to help our adoptable/adopted/foster pet populations. 

We have been using GoodPup as a training resource for both fosters and adopters. It's a great online resource. Our front staff as well as our foster team are well-versed in dog behavior and can help address several issues folks may have.  We do follow-up calls with all of our adoptions and our foster team stays in contact with all active fosters for the duration they are fostering. We also have a few local trainers in town that we often recommend to anyone in need of training (however, as stated, paying for these services can be a barrier). We have a dog trainer that we use specifically for the shelter when needed. He puts together training plans for more challenging dogs at the shelter (when needed), so we can target that behavior while they are in our care. We also train our volunteers in what kind of positive reinforcement training we want to be used with our shelter dogs so they can help with training while dogs are at the shelter.

As part of adult education, we offer an adult fall speaker series to our community. Often times we offer dog training as one or more of these free community classes. They are always really well attended.  This year we did a 3-part dog training series as our fall adult speaker series and then we offered an additional higher-level dog training class to our adult volunteers to help target our more behaviorally challenged dogs at the shelter. 

If we have adoptable dogs that we know are going to need training once they are adopted (our much more challenging dogs) then we will offer to pay 1-2 dog training sessions with our dog trainer as part of the adoption.  We usually have a pretty low rate of return, but last year we saw our numbers go up a bit. The dog trainer that we use is now offering a free class at our shelter to all new dog adopters once a month (we pay for his services, but the class is free to adopters in hopes that all/most new adopters will attend). This is a foundations course where he sets the stage for what to expect with a newly adopted dog. It's such a great class to be able to set expectations correctly and help address issues before they actually become real problems in the house. Because this is a new program, we don't know the results of our return rate yet, but we're hopeful. 

As far as owned community pets and behavior challenges, that is a tough one. Not only can the affordability of training be a barrier, but sometimes the time we as dog owners need to put in towards dog training can also be a barrier.  I'm interested to hear about any programs shelters/rescues have out there to help with owned community pets and overcoming training barriers and challenges. I do think this is one area where we'll see a new wave of creative programming surface.  

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

I am so happy to see a few organizations mentioned GoodPup! It is our mission to keep dogs with their families through our shelter and rescue partnership program. 

GoodPup is a positive reinforcement training company that aims to make professional training accessible and affordable to all. We connect dog parents to professional trainers for 1:1 training over video calls. 

We offer a free week of our training program followed by a lifetime discount to all dogs referred by a shelter or rescue group. As Tracy mentioned, they don't have to be adopted from your shelter, they just have to be referred by your organization. This partnership program is free to all shelters and rescue organizations in the US and Canada. 

We also offer gift certificates (called Scholarships) that shelters and rescues can purchase for fosters and other special cases. 

Thank you for bringing up this question, Sara. This is a critical need and it is one that GoodPup is trying hard to address. I look forward to reading more about how others are tackling this problem as well! 

Please reach out to me with questions about GoodPup at allie@goodpup.com and check out our web pages at: https://goodpup.com/ and https://goodpup.com/shelters

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Allie Mayer, CPDT-KA

Fear Free™ Certified Professional

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

#AccesstoCare
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms

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Sara Ondrako
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Whole Dog Behavior and Wellness
------------------------------

I am so happy to see a few organizations mentioned GoodPup! It is our mission to keep dogs with their families through our shelter and rescue partnership program. 

GoodPup is a positive reinforcement training company that aims to make professional training accessible and affordable to all. We connect dog parents to professional trainers for 1:1 training over video calls. 

We offer a free week of our training program followed by a lifetime discount to all dogs referred by a shelter or rescue group. As Tracy mentioned, they don't have to be adopted from your shelter, they just have to be referred by your organization. This partnership program is free to all shelters and rescue organizations in the US and Canada. 

We also offer gift certificates (called Scholarships) that shelters and rescues can purchase for fosters and other special cases. 

Thank you for bringing up this question, Sara. This is a critical need and it is one that GoodPup is trying hard to address. I look forward to reading more about how others are tackling this problem as well! 

Please reach out to me with questions about GoodPup at allie@goodpup.com and check out our web pages at: https://goodpup.com/ and https://goodpup.com/shelters

------------------------------
Allie Mayer, CPDT-KA

Fear Free™ Certified Professional

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

#AccesstoCare
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms

------------------------------
Sara Ondrako
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Whole Dog Behavior and Wellness
------------------------------

Allie,

We are working to integrate behavior/training support to underserved communities through our shelter's pet retention program.   Are you able to share the approximate cost of the service for clients referred by an animal shelter?  

I am so happy to see a few organizations mentioned GoodPup! It is our mission to keep dogs with their families through our shelter and rescue partnership program. 

GoodPup is a positive reinforcement training company that aims to make professional training accessible and affordable to all. We connect dog parents to professional trainers for 1:1 training over video calls. 

We offer a free week of our training program followed by a lifetime discount to all dogs referred by a shelter or rescue group. As Tracy mentioned, they don't have to be adopted from your shelter, they just have to be referred by your organization. This partnership program is free to all shelters and rescue organizations in the US and Canada. 

We also offer gift certificates (called Scholarships) that shelters and rescues can purchase for fosters and other special cases. 

Thank you for bringing up this question, Sara. This is a critical need and it is one that GoodPup is trying hard to address. I look forward to reading more about how others are tackling this problem as well! 

Please reach out to me with questions about GoodPup at allie@goodpup.com and check out our web pages at: https://goodpup.com/ and https://goodpup.com/shelters

------------------------------
Allie Mayer, CPDT-KA

Fear Free™ Certified Professional

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

#AccesstoCare
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms

------------------------------
Sara Ondrako
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Whole Dog Behavior and Wellness
------------------------------

Hi Gayle,

Absolutely, thank you for your question! 

Allie,

We are working to integrate behavior/training support to underserved communities through our shelter's pet retention program.   Are you able to share the approximate cost of the service for clients referred by an animal shelter?  

I am so happy to see a few organizations mentioned GoodPup! It is our mission to keep dogs with their families through our shelter and rescue partnership program. 

GoodPup is a positive reinforcement training company that aims to make professional training accessible and affordable to all. We connect dog parents to professional trainers for 1:1 training over video calls. 

We offer a free week of our training program followed by a lifetime discount to all dogs referred by a shelter or rescue group. As Tracy mentioned, they don't have to be adopted from your shelter, they just have to be referred by your organization. This partnership program is free to all shelters and rescue organizations in the US and Canada. 

We also offer gift certificates (called Scholarships) that shelters and rescues can purchase for fosters and other special cases. 

Thank you for bringing up this question, Sara. This is a critical need and it is one that GoodPup is trying hard to address. I look forward to reading more about how others are tackling this problem as well! 

Please reach out to me with questions about GoodPup at allie@goodpup.com and check out our web pages at: https://goodpup.com/ and https://goodpup.com/shelters

------------------------------
Allie Mayer, CPDT-KA

Fear Free™ Certified Professional

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

#AccesstoCare
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms

------------------------------
Sara Ondrako
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Whole Dog Behavior and Wellness
------------------------------

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

At my shelter, I'm in the process of setting up a program where I train volunteers to train dogs. They each choose a staff-approved dog, and then each week, I show them exercises to do with the dog to help work on their issues. After they get to know the dog a little better, I'll ask them questions as if they were the owner. Thing like behaviors they've noticed, or possible triggers, as well as improvements and new things to work on. It helps teach the volunteer to be observant of the dog's behaviors and pinpoint what the dog needs to work on. I then teach them exercises to address those issues, and they take the week to do that training, with a minimum of 2 training sessions a week. It helps keep the volunteers focused and hopefully returning as they now have a job to do, and it helps the dogs with their issues. 

I'm training to get my CPDT-KA but I've found that when I train other people to tackle simple things like not jumping and targeting, it leaves me with more time to focus on the tougher cases like reactive dogs, or dogs with bite histories. Also, I'm trying to start puppy classes so we can get these newly adopted pups off on the right foot so they don't come back a year later. I also want to tell everyone who will listen about how dogs' behavior will change during adolesence. Every person I've trained who got a puppy tends to contact me 8 months later saying their very large puppy is now a nightmare. I think that informing people about the "teenage years" can be helpful in refocusing training and keeping expectations reasonable.

Also, I'm a grant writer and there are a huge number of grants that focus on the human-animal bond that would be a good fit for a behavioral training budget. When you use statistics like XX% of dogs are returned to shelters due to behavioral issues, then your chance at a grant is increased.

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

MK - 

I love this! Giving volunteers ownership is a powerful tool - especially when they get to see their efforts pay off with the dogs that they work with. 

I'd be interested in learning more about the grants that you've written for that have helped you in the past to tackle some of these cases - we've had a harder time solidifying grants outside of very specific programming (mostly our Shelter Dog to Service Dog program). It's highly likely I'm not looking in the right places for human-animal bond opportunities. 

Best of luck with your CPDT-KA! 

Sara

At my shelter, I'm in the process of setting up a program where I train volunteers to train dogs. They each choose a staff-approved dog, and then each week, I show them exercises to do with the dog to help work on their issues. After they get to know the dog a little better, I'll ask them questions as if they were the owner. Thing like behaviors they've noticed, or possible triggers, as well as improvements and new things to work on. It helps teach the volunteer to be observant of the dog's behaviors and pinpoint what the dog needs to work on. I then teach them exercises to address those issues, and they take the week to do that training, with a minimum of 2 training sessions a week. It helps keep the volunteers focused and hopefully returning as they now have a job to do, and it helps the dogs with their issues. 

I'm training to get my CPDT-KA but I've found that when I train other people to tackle simple things like not jumping and targeting, it leaves me with more time to focus on the tougher cases like reactive dogs, or dogs with bite histories. Also, I'm trying to start puppy classes so we can get these newly adopted pups off on the right foot so they don't come back a year later. I also want to tell everyone who will listen about how dogs' behavior will change during adolesence. Every person I've trained who got a puppy tends to contact me 8 months later saying their very large puppy is now a nightmare. I think that informing people about the "teenage years" can be helpful in refocusing training and keeping expectations reasonable.

Also, I'm a grant writer and there are a huge number of grants that focus on the human-animal bond that would be a good fit for a behavioral training budget. When you use statistics like XX% of dogs are returned to shelters due to behavioral issues, then your chance at a grant is increased.

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

I am interested in the grant info too

MK - 

I love this! Giving volunteers ownership is a powerful tool - especially when they get to see their efforts pay off with the dogs that they work with. 

I'd be interested in learning more about the grants that you've written for that have helped you in the past to tackle some of these cases - we've had a harder time solidifying grants outside of very specific programming (mostly our Shelter Dog to Service Dog program). It's highly likely I'm not looking in the right places for human-animal bond opportunities. 

Best of luck with your CPDT-KA! 

Sara

At my shelter, I'm in the process of setting up a program where I train volunteers to train dogs. They each choose a staff-approved dog, and then each week, I show them exercises to do with the dog to help work on their issues. After they get to know the dog a little better, I'll ask them questions as if they were the owner. Thing like behaviors they've noticed, or possible triggers, as well as improvements and new things to work on. It helps teach the volunteer to be observant of the dog's behaviors and pinpoint what the dog needs to work on. I then teach them exercises to address those issues, and they take the week to do that training, with a minimum of 2 training sessions a week. It helps keep the volunteers focused and hopefully returning as they now have a job to do, and it helps the dogs with their issues. 

I'm training to get my CPDT-KA but I've found that when I train other people to tackle simple things like not jumping and targeting, it leaves me with more time to focus on the tougher cases like reactive dogs, or dogs with bite histories. Also, I'm trying to start puppy classes so we can get these newly adopted pups off on the right foot so they don't come back a year later. I also want to tell everyone who will listen about how dogs' behavior will change during adolesence. Every person I've trained who got a puppy tends to contact me 8 months later saying their very large puppy is now a nightmare. I think that informing people about the "teenage years" can be helpful in refocusing training and keeping expectations reasonable.

Also, I'm a grant writer and there are a huge number of grants that focus on the human-animal bond that would be a good fit for a behavioral training budget. When you use statistics like XX% of dogs are returned to shelters due to behavioral issues, then your chance at a grant is increased.

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

At my shelter, I'm in the process of setting up a program where I train volunteers to train dogs. They each choose a staff-approved dog, and then each week, I show them exercises to do with the dog to help work on their issues. After they get to know the dog a little better, I'll ask them questions as if they were the owner. Thing like behaviors they've noticed, or possible triggers, as well as improvements and new things to work on. It helps teach the volunteer to be observant of the dog's behaviors and pinpoint what the dog needs to work on. I then teach them exercises to address those issues, and they take the week to do that training, with a minimum of 2 training sessions a week. It helps keep the volunteers focused and hopefully returning as they now have a job to do, and it helps the dogs with their issues. 

I'm training to get my CPDT-KA but I've found that when I train other people to tackle simple things like not jumping and targeting, it leaves me with more time to focus on the tougher cases like reactive dogs, or dogs with bite histories. Also, I'm trying to start puppy classes so we can get these newly adopted pups off on the right foot so they don't come back a year later. I also want to tell everyone who will listen about how dogs' behavior will change during adolesence. Every person I've trained who got a puppy tends to contact me 8 months later saying their very large puppy is now a nightmare. I think that informing people about the "teenage years" can be helpful in refocusing training and keeping expectations reasonable.

Also, I'm a grant writer and there are a huge number of grants that focus on the human-animal bond that would be a good fit for a behavioral training budget. When you use statistics like XX% of dogs are returned to shelters due to behavioral issues, then your chance at a grant is increased.

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

At my shelter, I'm in the process of setting up a program where I train volunteers to train dogs. They each choose a staff-approved dog, and then each week, I show them exercises to do with the dog to help work on their issues. After they get to know the dog a little better, I'll ask them questions as if they were the owner. Thing like behaviors they've noticed, or possible triggers, as well as improvements and new things to work on. It helps teach the volunteer to be observant of the dog's behaviors and pinpoint what the dog needs to work on. I then teach them exercises to address those issues, and they take the week to do that training, with a minimum of 2 training sessions a week. It helps keep the volunteers focused and hopefully returning as they now have a job to do, and it helps the dogs with their issues. 

I'm training to get my CPDT-KA but I've found that when I train other people to tackle simple things like not jumping and targeting, it leaves me with more time to focus on the tougher cases like reactive dogs, or dogs with bite histories. Also, I'm trying to start puppy classes so we can get these newly adopted pups off on the right foot so they don't come back a year later. I also want to tell everyone who will listen about how dogs' behavior will change during adolesence. Every person I've trained who got a puppy tends to contact me 8 months later saying their very large puppy is now a nightmare. I think that informing people about the "teenage years" can be helpful in refocusing training and keeping expectations reasonable.

Also, I'm a grant writer and there are a huge number of grants that focus on the human-animal bond that would be a good fit for a behavioral training budget. When you use statistics like XX% of dogs are returned to shelters due to behavioral issues, then your chance at a grant is increased.

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

MK, When you train the volunteers with shelter dogs, are you working with a group of volunteers who each has a dog to work with? Or are you workig with them one on one?

I'd also love to see the list of grants that support behavioral training - if that was posted, I can't find it.  Thank you!

At my shelter, I'm in the process of setting up a program where I train volunteers to train dogs. They each choose a staff-approved dog, and then each week, I show them exercises to do with the dog to help work on their issues. After they get to know the dog a little better, I'll ask them questions as if they were the owner. Thing like behaviors they've noticed, or possible triggers, as well as improvements and new things to work on. It helps teach the volunteer to be observant of the dog's behaviors and pinpoint what the dog needs to work on. I then teach them exercises to address those issues, and they take the week to do that training, with a minimum of 2 training sessions a week. It helps keep the volunteers focused and hopefully returning as they now have a job to do, and it helps the dogs with their issues. 

I'm training to get my CPDT-KA but I've found that when I train other people to tackle simple things like not jumping and targeting, it leaves me with more time to focus on the tougher cases like reactive dogs, or dogs with bite histories. Also, I'm trying to start puppy classes so we can get these newly adopted pups off on the right foot so they don't come back a year later. I also want to tell everyone who will listen about how dogs' behavior will change during adolesence. Every person I've trained who got a puppy tends to contact me 8 months later saying their very large puppy is now a nightmare. I think that informing people about the "teenage years" can be helpful in refocusing training and keeping expectations reasonable.

Also, I'm a grant writer and there are a huge number of grants that focus on the human-animal bond that would be a good fit for a behavioral training budget. When you use statistics like XX% of dogs are returned to shelters due to behavioral issues, then your chance at a grant is increased.

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

I would train them one on one (currently on hiatus as my knee is buggered). Basically, I would train that person on one dog, and that person could then use the lessons on other dogs they work with. It works because I've had people I've taught call me and tell me they saw someone in their own lives struggling and helped them with the issue (very minor stuff like jumping). The things I taught them were all pretty baseline behaviors, but for the tougher cases, I would train the staff on how to specifically help that dog. On cases I was lost on, I would research. If that didn't work, I referred out to a CDBC who lives nearby.

As for grants, give me a few days to get a list together. Most grants can be made to pay for behavioral help as it's an area that's necessary to improve adoptions, but it can also improve understanding of canine ethology, can decrease return rates, can increase general understanding of dog welfare in an area, and it's entirely sustainable for shelters (get a grant to get 2 members of staff trained, have those staff then run classes for a small fee or for in-kind donations, etc.). Off the top of my head, Pedigree has a grant early in the year where 80% of their grants go to behavioral help and changes. One is for $15,000, the other is over 2 years and is for $100,000. Both have been used to hire behavior consultants or certified pro dog trainers to come in and train staff.

MK, When you train the volunteers with shelter dogs, are you working with a group of volunteers who each has a dog to work with? Or are you workig with them one on one?

I'd also love to see the list of grants that support behavioral training - if that was posted, I can't find it.  Thank you!

At my shelter, I'm in the process of setting up a program where I train volunteers to train dogs. They each choose a staff-approved dog, and then each week, I show them exercises to do with the dog to help work on their issues. After they get to know the dog a little better, I'll ask them questions as if they were the owner. Thing like behaviors they've noticed, or possible triggers, as well as improvements and new things to work on. It helps teach the volunteer to be observant of the dog's behaviors and pinpoint what the dog needs to work on. I then teach them exercises to address those issues, and they take the week to do that training, with a minimum of 2 training sessions a week. It helps keep the volunteers focused and hopefully returning as they now have a job to do, and it helps the dogs with their issues. 

I'm training to get my CPDT-KA but I've found that when I train other people to tackle simple things like not jumping and targeting, it leaves me with more time to focus on the tougher cases like reactive dogs, or dogs with bite histories. Also, I'm trying to start puppy classes so we can get these newly adopted pups off on the right foot so they don't come back a year later. I also want to tell everyone who will listen about how dogs' behavior will change during adolesence. Every person I've trained who got a puppy tends to contact me 8 months later saying their very large puppy is now a nightmare. I think that informing people about the "teenage years" can be helpful in refocusing training and keeping expectations reasonable.

Also, I'm a grant writer and there are a huge number of grants that focus on the human-animal bond that would be a good fit for a behavioral training budget. When you use statistics like XX% of dogs are returned to shelters due to behavioral issues, then your chance at a grant is increased.

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

I would train them one on one (currently on hiatus as my knee is buggered). Basically, I would train that person on one dog, and that person could then use the lessons on other dogs they work with. It works because I've had people I've taught call me and tell me they saw someone in their own lives struggling and helped them with the issue (very minor stuff like jumping). The things I taught them were all pretty baseline behaviors, but for the tougher cases, I would train the staff on how to specifically help that dog. On cases I was lost on, I would research. If that didn't work, I referred out to a CDBC who lives nearby.

As for grants, give me a few days to get a list together. Most grants can be made to pay for behavioral help as it's an area that's necessary to improve adoptions, but it can also improve understanding of canine ethology, can decrease return rates, can increase general understanding of dog welfare in an area, and it's entirely sustainable for shelters (get a grant to get 2 members of staff trained, have those staff then run classes for a small fee or for in-kind donations, etc.). Off the top of my head, Pedigree has a grant early in the year where 80% of their grants go to behavioral help and changes. One is for $15,000, the other is over 2 years and is for $100,000. Both have been used to hire behavior consultants or certified pro dog trainers to come in and train staff.

MK, When you train the volunteers with shelter dogs, are you working with a group of volunteers who each has a dog to work with? Or are you workig with them one on one?

I'd also love to see the list of grants that support behavioral training - if that was posted, I can't find it.  Thank you!

At my shelter, I'm in the process of setting up a program where I train volunteers to train dogs. They each choose a staff-approved dog, and then each week, I show them exercises to do with the dog to help work on their issues. After they get to know the dog a little better, I'll ask them questions as if they were the owner. Thing like behaviors they've noticed, or possible triggers, as well as improvements and new things to work on. It helps teach the volunteer to be observant of the dog's behaviors and pinpoint what the dog needs to work on. I then teach them exercises to address those issues, and they take the week to do that training, with a minimum of 2 training sessions a week. It helps keep the volunteers focused and hopefully returning as they now have a job to do, and it helps the dogs with their issues. 

I'm training to get my CPDT-KA but I've found that when I train other people to tackle simple things like not jumping and targeting, it leaves me with more time to focus on the tougher cases like reactive dogs, or dogs with bite histories. Also, I'm trying to start puppy classes so we can get these newly adopted pups off on the right foot so they don't come back a year later. I also want to tell everyone who will listen about how dogs' behavior will change during adolesence. Every person I've trained who got a puppy tends to contact me 8 months later saying their very large puppy is now a nightmare. I think that informing people about the "teenage years" can be helpful in refocusing training and keeping expectations reasonable.

Also, I'm a grant writer and there are a huge number of grants that focus on the human-animal bond that would be a good fit for a behavioral training budget. When you use statistics like XX% of dogs are returned to shelters due to behavioral issues, then your chance at a grant is increased.

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

Again, I like what everyone is doing, but, Why Won't Anyone Talk About Giving the DOGS an Overall Dog Routine that suits THEM !?!? 

I asked for people to share DOG routines, and although the one response was good, it still told me only about the person's abilities to help 1-3 dogs a day. Out of how many? And, How many other people are in the equation?

Im here to help.  But I need you to want that help.  

Do you like the shelter conditions, from your perspective And the Dogs'? Are existing shelter environments a good place for dogs' health, safety, and growth?

If Yes, I'll say goodbye.  

If no, Please, help me help you so more dogs have happy homes, more people have happy dogs, and shelters are not just less burdened, but are a shining example of exceptional care and understanding. 

Do you think you can't because things are how they are? Are you afraid you can't because of the dogs?

As individuals going in to help them is one thing, PROVIDING DAILY from their perspective is another, and why I'm here. 

Who else is "training " throughout day with all the dogs while they exercise their bodies and Expand their minds? At least 3 X a day ?!

Don't you all want that for them? And increase Your knowledge and improve Your skills? Plus, enable All people to have a better understanding and positive communication and connection with dogs?

Do you think things are the best they can be?( In current Practice)

Management - Modification - training. The 3rd is on shaky ground without the first two solidly incorporated. That's what's missing.

I don't see shelter dogs getting their needs met as an adopted pet would in the home. If I can do it for an average of 20 dogs a day, others can too.  Good works aside, If you know differently, show me where. 

What am I missing that Im not conveying the importance of creating the space and time to Really help Everyone, Dogs, staff, adopters, trainers…dogs, dogs and more dogs.

How many dogs in your care will have positive multiple life lessons today and get to Run and sniff off lead at least 3times today?

For me, ALL will, and more. How can I communicate with you all better?

Think about this: conservatively, if in the last 25 years, I only walked 10 dogs to and from 1 yard 2x a day, thats 10x4 llw per day = x 360days = 14,400 lessons.  X 25 years = 360,000 dog walks / lessons before 8am. Now keep multiplying and you'll get close to what my dogs receive.  By myself.  All dogs welcome. 

You don't know me, but I'm trying to change that, so Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of all dogs and those who care for and about them.

I would train them one on one (currently on hiatus as my knee is buggered). Basically, I would train that person on one dog, and that person could then use the lessons on other dogs they work with. It works because I've had people I've taught call me and tell me they saw someone in their own lives struggling and helped them with the issue (very minor stuff like jumping). The things I taught them were all pretty baseline behaviors, but for the tougher cases, I would train the staff on how to specifically help that dog. On cases I was lost on, I would research. If that didn't work, I referred out to a CDBC who lives nearby.

As for grants, give me a few days to get a list together. Most grants can be made to pay for behavioral help as it's an area that's necessary to improve adoptions, but it can also improve understanding of canine ethology, can decrease return rates, can increase general understanding of dog welfare in an area, and it's entirely sustainable for shelters (get a grant to get 2 members of staff trained, have those staff then run classes for a small fee or for in-kind donations, etc.). Off the top of my head, Pedigree has a grant early in the year where 80% of their grants go to behavioral help and changes. One is for $15,000, the other is over 2 years and is for $100,000. Both have been used to hire behavior consultants or certified pro dog trainers to come in and train staff.

MK, When you train the volunteers with shelter dogs, are you working with a group of volunteers who each has a dog to work with? Or are you workig with them one on one?

I'd also love to see the list of grants that support behavioral training - if that was posted, I can't find it.  Thank you!

At my shelter, I'm in the process of setting up a program where I train volunteers to train dogs. They each choose a staff-approved dog, and then each week, I show them exercises to do with the dog to help work on their issues. After they get to know the dog a little better, I'll ask them questions as if they were the owner. Thing like behaviors they've noticed, or possible triggers, as well as improvements and new things to work on. It helps teach the volunteer to be observant of the dog's behaviors and pinpoint what the dog needs to work on. I then teach them exercises to address those issues, and they take the week to do that training, with a minimum of 2 training sessions a week. It helps keep the volunteers focused and hopefully returning as they now have a job to do, and it helps the dogs with their issues. 

I'm training to get my CPDT-KA but I've found that when I train other people to tackle simple things like not jumping and targeting, it leaves me with more time to focus on the tougher cases like reactive dogs, or dogs with bite histories. Also, I'm trying to start puppy classes so we can get these newly adopted pups off on the right foot so they don't come back a year later. I also want to tell everyone who will listen about how dogs' behavior will change during adolesence. Every person I've trained who got a puppy tends to contact me 8 months later saying their very large puppy is now a nightmare. I think that informing people about the "teenage years" can be helpful in refocusing training and keeping expectations reasonable.

Also, I'm a grant writer and there are a huge number of grants that focus on the human-animal bond that would be a good fit for a behavioral training budget. When you use statistics like XX% of dogs are returned to shelters due to behavioral issues, then your chance at a grant is increased.

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

Hi Diane, 

I appreciate your passion about helping dogs by helping folks at shelters offer better dog-centric support. But I'm puzzled and find your question about what the dog's routine is hard to answer. Conditions at our shelter change from day to day as we take in dogs, hold meet and greets, adopt out animals and provide emergency medical care. Setting aside the cat popuation at the shelter, which outnumbers the dog population, the needs of the dogs at the shelter shift daily. 

It seems to go in waves - for a while I worked with one extremely timid dog after another. Now we're in a pattern of getting in muscle-bound pitbulls, but the group of sweet but clueless  and clingy dogs that were taken in as part of a seizure of dogs that mostly ran loose in a wooded area hasn't gone away. The pitbull who has a delighful personality once she settled out of extreme defensiveness is also the most powerful dog I've ever failed to hold back on leash. Just getting her safely down the hallway to the exercise yard is an experience probably best tried out with two people and two leashes.  And not at all like the less-strong but extremely-reactive-to-other-dogs pitbull who tries to charge with ever muscle in his body every kennel we walk by. 

I do believe I can learn valuable things from you, but I'd ask that you see that shelter folks won't be able to adopt each of the things that work for you or replicate your success. Is there a best-for-dogs shelter enviroment for dogs? Yes. It is easy to attain it? No. Should it remain a goal even if it is consistently out of reach due to the multiple complications shelters face? Yes. 

Again, I like what everyone is doing, but, Why Won't Anyone Talk About Giving the DOGS an Overall Dog Routine that suits THEM !?!? 

I asked for people to share DOG routines, and although the one response was good, it still told me only about the person's abilities to help 1-3 dogs a day. Out of how many? And, How many other people are in the equation?

Im here to help.  But I need you to want that help.  

Do you like the shelter conditions, from your perspective And the Dogs'? Are existing shelter environments a good place for dogs' health, safety, and growth?

If Yes, I'll say goodbye.  

If no, Please, help me help you so more dogs have happy homes, more people have happy dogs, and shelters are not just less burdened, but are a shining example of exceptional care and understanding. 

Do you think you can't because things are how they are? Are you afraid you can't because of the dogs?

As individuals going in to help them is one thing, PROVIDING DAILY from their perspective is another, and why I'm here. 

Who else is "training " throughout day with all the dogs while they exercise their bodies and Expand their minds? At least 3 X a day ?!

Don't you all want that for them? And increase Your knowledge and improve Your skills? Plus, enable All people to have a better understanding and positive communication and connection with dogs?

Do you think things are the best they can be?( In current Practice)

Management - Modification - training. The 3rd is on shaky ground without the first two solidly incorporated. That's what's missing.

I don't see shelter dogs getting their needs met as an adopted pet would in the home. If I can do it for an average of 20 dogs a day, others can too.  Good works aside, If you know differently, show me where. 

What am I missing that Im not conveying the importance of creating the space and time to Really help Everyone, Dogs, staff, adopters, trainers…dogs, dogs and more dogs.

How many dogs in your care will have positive multiple life lessons today and get to Run and sniff off lead at least 3times today?

For me, ALL will, and more. How can I communicate with you all better?

Think about this: conservatively, if in the last 25 years, I only walked 10 dogs to and from 1 yard 2x a day, thats 10x4 llw per day = x 360days = 14,400 lessons.  X 25 years = 360,000 dog walks / lessons before 8am. Now keep multiplying and you'll get close to what my dogs receive.  By myself.  All dogs welcome. 

You don't know me, but I'm trying to change that, so Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of all dogs and those who care for and about them.

I would train them one on one (currently on hiatus as my knee is buggered). Basically, I would train that person on one dog, and that person could then use the lessons on other dogs they work with. It works because I've had people I've taught call me and tell me they saw someone in their own lives struggling and helped them with the issue (very minor stuff like jumping). The things I taught them were all pretty baseline behaviors, but for the tougher cases, I would train the staff on how to specifically help that dog. On cases I was lost on, I would research. If that didn't work, I referred out to a CDBC who lives nearby.

As for grants, give me a few days to get a list together. Most grants can be made to pay for behavioral help as it's an area that's necessary to improve adoptions, but it can also improve understanding of canine ethology, can decrease return rates, can increase general understanding of dog welfare in an area, and it's entirely sustainable for shelters (get a grant to get 2 members of staff trained, have those staff then run classes for a small fee or for in-kind donations, etc.). Off the top of my head, Pedigree has a grant early in the year where 80% of their grants go to behavioral help and changes. One is for $15,000, the other is over 2 years and is for $100,000. Both have been used to hire behavior consultants or certified pro dog trainers to come in and train staff.

MK, When you train the volunteers with shelter dogs, are you working with a group of volunteers who each has a dog to work with? Or are you workig with them one on one?

I'd also love to see the list of grants that support behavioral training - if that was posted, I can't find it.  Thank you!

At my shelter, I'm in the process of setting up a program where I train volunteers to train dogs. They each choose a staff-approved dog, and then each week, I show them exercises to do with the dog to help work on their issues. After they get to know the dog a little better, I'll ask them questions as if they were the owner. Thing like behaviors they've noticed, or possible triggers, as well as improvements and new things to work on. It helps teach the volunteer to be observant of the dog's behaviors and pinpoint what the dog needs to work on. I then teach them exercises to address those issues, and they take the week to do that training, with a minimum of 2 training sessions a week. It helps keep the volunteers focused and hopefully returning as they now have a job to do, and it helps the dogs with their issues. 

I'm training to get my CPDT-KA but I've found that when I train other people to tackle simple things like not jumping and targeting, it leaves me with more time to focus on the tougher cases like reactive dogs, or dogs with bite histories. Also, I'm trying to start puppy classes so we can get these newly adopted pups off on the right foot so they don't come back a year later. I also want to tell everyone who will listen about how dogs' behavior will change during adolesence. Every person I've trained who got a puppy tends to contact me 8 months later saying their very large puppy is now a nightmare. I think that informing people about the "teenage years" can be helpful in refocusing training and keeping expectations reasonable.

Also, I'm a grant writer and there are a huge number of grants that focus on the human-animal bond that would be a good fit for a behavioral training budget. When you use statistics like XX% of dogs are returned to shelters due to behavioral issues, then your chance at a grant is increased.

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

I would train them one on one (currently on hiatus as my knee is buggered). Basically, I would train that person on one dog, and that person could then use the lessons on other dogs they work with. It works because I've had people I've taught call me and tell me they saw someone in their own lives struggling and helped them with the issue (very minor stuff like jumping). The things I taught them were all pretty baseline behaviors, but for the tougher cases, I would train the staff on how to specifically help that dog. On cases I was lost on, I would research. If that didn't work, I referred out to a CDBC who lives nearby.

As for grants, give me a few days to get a list together. Most grants can be made to pay for behavioral help as it's an area that's necessary to improve adoptions, but it can also improve understanding of canine ethology, can decrease return rates, can increase general understanding of dog welfare in an area, and it's entirely sustainable for shelters (get a grant to get 2 members of staff trained, have those staff then run classes for a small fee or for in-kind donations, etc.). Off the top of my head, Pedigree has a grant early in the year where 80% of their grants go to behavioral help and changes. One is for $15,000, the other is over 2 years and is for $100,000. Both have been used to hire behavior consultants or certified pro dog trainers to come in and train staff.

MK, When you train the volunteers with shelter dogs, are you working with a group of volunteers who each has a dog to work with? Or are you workig with them one on one?

I'd also love to see the list of grants that support behavioral training - if that was posted, I can't find it.  Thank you!

At my shelter, I'm in the process of setting up a program where I train volunteers to train dogs. They each choose a staff-approved dog, and then each week, I show them exercises to do with the dog to help work on their issues. After they get to know the dog a little better, I'll ask them questions as if they were the owner. Thing like behaviors they've noticed, or possible triggers, as well as improvements and new things to work on. It helps teach the volunteer to be observant of the dog's behaviors and pinpoint what the dog needs to work on. I then teach them exercises to address those issues, and they take the week to do that training, with a minimum of 2 training sessions a week. It helps keep the volunteers focused and hopefully returning as they now have a job to do, and it helps the dogs with their issues. 

I'm training to get my CPDT-KA but I've found that when I train other people to tackle simple things like not jumping and targeting, it leaves me with more time to focus on the tougher cases like reactive dogs, or dogs with bite histories. Also, I'm trying to start puppy classes so we can get these newly adopted pups off on the right foot so they don't come back a year later. I also want to tell everyone who will listen about how dogs' behavior will change during adolesence. Every person I've trained who got a puppy tends to contact me 8 months later saying their very large puppy is now a nightmare. I think that informing people about the "teenage years" can be helpful in refocusing training and keeping expectations reasonable.

Also, I'm a grant writer and there are a huge number of grants that focus on the human-animal bond that would be a good fit for a behavioral training budget. When you use statistics like XX% of dogs are returned to shelters due to behavioral issues, then your chance at a grant is increased.

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

Hi. I'm new to Maddie's but recently posted under 'behavior on a budget' thread. It may fit in here so if interested, take a look and let me know if I can help in any way. 

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

#AccesstoCare
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms

------------------------------
Sara Ondrako
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Whole Dog Behavior and Wellness
------------------------------

Honest question:   for those of us in areas where dogs are dying in droves, and there aren't enough rescue spots for all of them, what's the logic behind fundraising $1500 for "behavior turnaround" that may or may not result in a dog that has to be "managed" for life due to fearful genetics causing fear-biting, when another dog with no temperament issues desperately needs that spot?  

I could fundraise $1500 on orthopedics to fix a hit-by-car dog with GREAT temperament who will be a fantastic adoption ambassador and family pet.   The risk seems a lot lower with the dog with the great temperament.  To me, that $1500 would be better spent on the dog with the great temperament.  

I say this as someone who HAS spent that $1500 and more on a variety of the best trainers, consulted with a board-certified vet behavorist at a vet school, and gave the dog over a year of rehab....only to have a dog that the vet behaviorist said was unadoptable and would never be safe in the community. 

(Also:  our insurer now has pretty strict standards on intake.  I think small rescue orgs that are working with turn-around fear-biters might perhaps want to have their director check on their insurance with respect to dogs like that.)

------------------------------
Maggie Thomas
President
Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2023 12:08 PM
From: Sara Ondrako
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

#AccesstoCare
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms

------------------------------
Sara Ondrako
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Whole Dog Behavior and Wellness
------------------------------

"One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. …"

Yes. So behavior problems within shelters are because of the same reasons.  Do you agree their needs are not being met within the shelter structure?

"…So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia?"

By having shelters be the epitome of dog care, where people can observe, learn about, interact with safely and help teach dogs necessary life skills through daily interactions, which they currently are not. Shelter environments are not, from what I see and No one has shown me differently, built for dogs. In fact, I need someone to explain to me how meeting the needs of dogs falls outside of the facility in which they're kept.

If you are interacting with a dog, even just holding the leash, you are "training" because the dog is actively learning.  

Please share what a typical dog day is for those in your care.

What "behavior" problems need specialized outsourced instruction? Dog only?

What behaviors are you routinely looking to have trained? 

What does a day for shelter staff look like?

What do employees need that they don't have? 

------------------------------
Diane Cuff
Owner/operator
Waggin'Tails Boarding Kennels

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2023 02:11 PM
From: Maggie Thomas
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

Honest question:   for those of us in areas where dogs are dying in droves, and there aren't enough rescue spots for all of them, what's the logic behind fundraising $1500 for "behavior turnaround" that may or may not result in a dog that has to be "managed" for life due to fearful genetics causing fear-biting, when another dog with no temperament issues desperately needs that spot?  

I could fundraise $1500 on orthopedics to fix a hit-by-car dog with GREAT temperament who will be a fantastic adoption ambassador and family pet.   The risk seems a lot lower with the dog with the great temperament.  To me, that $1500 would be better spent on the dog with the great temperament.  

I say this as someone who HAS spent that $1500 and more on a variety of the best trainers, consulted with a board-certified vet behavorist at a vet school, and gave the dog over a year of rehab....only to have a dog that the vet behaviorist said was unadoptable and would never be safe in the community. 

(Also:  our insurer now has pretty strict standards on intake.  I think small rescue orgs that are working with turn-around fear-biters might perhaps want to have their director check on their insurance with respect to dogs like that.)

------------------------------
Maggie Thomas
President
Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2023 12:08 PM
From: Sara Ondrako
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

#AccesstoCare
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms

------------------------------
Sara Ondrako
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Whole Dog Behavior and Wellness
------------------------------

I completely agree that interaction equals training.

Diane, you ask about out-sourced training, but I'll contribute ideas about what training can be in-sourced. I'm not a credentialed trainer, I'm a volunteer who had lots of family pets and a few obedience and agility courses under my belt when I began volunteering. Before I started, I thought I was going to be "walking" the dogs (ha!), but actually, from the first day 2.5 years ago, I realized I was going to be training them, and I decided to gear that training to helping them become more adoptable. That goal incorporates, of course, the goal of helping them be less stressed in a less-than-ideal situation.

Now I've had a lot of shelter experience and many, many hours of watching videos and reading articles and books while I searched for effective approaches to whatever behaviors I was faced with at the shelter. Besides looking for answers via research, here's my approach, which has proved effective for me and possibly helpful for others.

Some volunteers try to take out as many dogs as possible during their visit -  I focus on 2-3 dogs over time and work actively to develop a close bond with them. My process begins with selecting which dogs I work with. Early on, once they saw my success with a super smart but very naughty young dog, who was adopted a few weeks after I began working with her, the shelter staff pointed out a deaf cattle dog as one I might want for my next "project dog." That dog became my primary dog and I selected another dog and those two became my primary and secondary dogs. If I only had time for one dog in a visit, I always chose the primary dog. While I was working with those two dogs, I kept my eye out for the next candidate for when a slot opened up through adoption.(This system, with its built in decision process really helped me focus and not fall into feeling badly about the dogs I didn't have time to take out.)

I found I did well with dogs that were very fearful and expressed that by extreme avoidance (crouching, trembling, barking) or by extreme reactivity (lunging at the kennel door, screaming "get out of here").  

For the very fearful dogs who practice avoidance, I generally start by just sitting in their kennel talking to them softly, not looking at them for the 20 minutes I allot to each dog. The first such dog I worked with taught me a ton - I decided after a few minutes of him watching me from the door to his outdoor run, that just sitting there wasn't going to work and left the kennel.  But the next day I decided I'd just wait him out. I sat for 20 minutes and we made a tiny bit of progress. I was thinking, 'okay, it's going to be slow going.' But on our next visit I was able to leash him. He went to the far end of the leash and averted his gaze, but when I stood up to go he came right to me and we went for our first walk.

I usually begin work with a very reactive dog  by making them my "third" dog (and the dog I spend the least time with, by far.) I stand outside their kennel while they do their thing - which can look and sound super aggressive - I try to remember to stand sideways and not look at them at first. I say, hello in a calm, level voice, use their name and tell them how good they are and toss a treat over the top of the door. Often they are so reactive at first there is no point in waiting for even a tiny bit of improvement. I just toss a treat into their kennel and move on. But it really doesn't take long for them to recognize me as good news on the way and their reactivity cuts way back. They begin on their own to meet me with four on the floor, and I can move from tossing the treat over the kennel door to popping it through the opening next to the kennel door - keeping my fingers safely on my side of the door. 

With some dogs, before I take them out on my own, I meet them with a staff member in the exercise yard as an intro. I always defer to staff and let them know how things are going by sending them email updates with training details. Often, these updates are passed on to the new owner. 

When I'm able to take a dog from its kennel, I triage based on the behavior I see. Reducing jumping is often a goal, grabbing treats, and basic cues are runners up. But I also work with dogs who present as aloof or not interested in play. Aloofness and no way to easily warm up to a dog in the meet and greet room isn't going to impress anyone. Honestly, anything is possible - it is tremendous fun to teach a dog who shows no interest in chasing balls to get into it whole-heartedly.

I generally end each visit to the shelter by going up and down the kennel hallway, stopping in front of each kennel to say hello and tossing a small treat to each dog, looking for the best behavior they're able to offer. It ups my reputation with all the dogs : ) and I also believe they are less likely to get agitated when they see me taking other dogs out because they know the sequence of events I set off when I arrive ends with them getting a treat. I love walking down a silent kennel giving out those treats. (Doesn't happen often because of other things going on or new dogs who don't know me, but when it does it is pretty golden). That trip also helps me get to know the dogs, which will be helpful when one or more of them gets a turn on my list. 

I really appreciate all I'm learning through this site and hope this info is helpful!

I think two elements are crucial to the success I have: my willingness to develop a close bond with a dog I'm hoping to 'lose' through adoption, and the shelter personnel's advocacy for their dogs. One person in the staff/admin/volunteer universe who is enthusiastic about a dog can make all the difference in others' attitudes. 

"One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. …"

Yes. So behavior problems within shelters are because of the same reasons.  Do you agree their needs are not being met within the shelter structure?

"…So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia?"

By having shelters be the epitome of dog care, where people can observe, learn about, interact with safely and help teach dogs necessary life skills through daily interactions, which they currently are not. Shelter environments are not, from what I see and No one has shown me differently, built for dogs. In fact, I need someone to explain to me how meeting the needs of dogs falls outside of the facility in which they're kept.

If you are interacting with a dog, even just holding the leash, you are "training" because the dog is actively learning.  

Please share what a typical dog day is for those in your care.

What "behavior" problems need specialized outsourced instruction? Dog only?

What behaviors are you routinely looking to have trained? 

What does a day for shelter staff look like?

What do employees need that they don't have? 

------------------------------
Diane Cuff
Owner/operator
Waggin'Tails Boarding Kennels

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2023 02:11 PM
From: Maggie Thomas
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

Honest question:   for those of us in areas where dogs are dying in droves, and there aren't enough rescue spots for all of them, what's the logic behind fundraising $1500 for "behavior turnaround" that may or may not result in a dog that has to be "managed" for life due to fearful genetics causing fear-biting, when another dog with no temperament issues desperately needs that spot?  

I could fundraise $1500 on orthopedics to fix a hit-by-car dog with GREAT temperament who will be a fantastic adoption ambassador and family pet.   The risk seems a lot lower with the dog with the great temperament.  To me, that $1500 would be better spent on the dog with the great temperament.  

I say this as someone who HAS spent that $1500 and more on a variety of the best trainers, consulted with a board-certified vet behavorist at a vet school, and gave the dog over a year of rehab....only to have a dog that the vet behaviorist said was unadoptable and would never be safe in the community. 

(Also:  our insurer now has pretty strict standards on intake.  I think small rescue orgs that are working with turn-around fear-biters might perhaps want to have their director check on their insurance with respect to dogs like that.)

------------------------------
Maggie Thomas
President
Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2023 12:08 PM
From: Sara Ondrako
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

#AccesstoCare
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms

------------------------------
Sara Ondrako
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Whole Dog Behavior and Wellness
------------------------------

Eudora,

You are an amazing volunteer. Thank you for giving the dogs agency. We often don't realize how much these dogs lose when they end up in a shelter. They no longer have a routine, people they know, familiar smells and sounds, feeling safe, and social interactions with their people or with other house pets. A rug has been pulled under them. Instead, they are bombarded with smells they don't know, stressful barking noises from other dogs, and strange people. This is what trauma looks like. While many of these new occurrences can't be changed, building a relationship gives these dogs something to look forward to. Your quiet sitting with them is a gift. These dogs are very lucky to have you as their advocate. I thank you for being compassionate. We need more volunteers like you. 

I completely agree that interaction equals training.

Diane, you ask about out-sourced training, but I'll contribute ideas about what training can be in-sourced. I'm not a credentialed trainer, I'm a volunteer who had lots of family pets and a few obedience and agility courses under my belt when I began volunteering. Before I started, I thought I was going to be "walking" the dogs (ha!), but actually, from the first day 2.5 years ago, I realized I was going to be training them, and I decided to gear that training to helping them become more adoptable. That goal incorporates, of course, the goal of helping them be less stressed in a less-than-ideal situation.

Now I've had a lot of shelter experience and many, many hours of watching videos and reading articles and books while I searched for effective approaches to whatever behaviors I was faced with at the shelter. Besides looking for answers via research, here's my approach, which has proved effective for me and possibly helpful for others.

Some volunteers try to take out as many dogs as possible during their visit -  I focus on 2-3 dogs over time and work actively to develop a close bond with them. My process begins with selecting which dogs I work with. Early on, once they saw my success with a super smart but very naughty young dog, who was adopted a few weeks after I began working with her, the shelter staff pointed out a deaf cattle dog as one I might want for my next "project dog." That dog became my primary dog and I selected another dog and those two became my primary and secondary dogs. If I only had time for one dog in a visit, I always chose the primary dog. While I was working with those two dogs, I kept my eye out for the next candidate for when a slot opened up through adoption.(This system, with its built in decision process really helped me focus and not fall into feeling badly about the dogs I didn't have time to take out.)

I found I did well with dogs that were very fearful and expressed that by extreme avoidance (crouching, trembling, barking) or by extreme reactivity (lunging at the kennel door, screaming "get out of here").  

For the very fearful dogs who practice avoidance, I generally start by just sitting in their kennel talking to them softly, not looking at them for the 20 minutes I allot to each dog. The first such dog I worked with taught me a ton - I decided after a few minutes of him watching me from the door to his outdoor run, that just sitting there wasn't going to work and left the kennel.  But the next day I decided I'd just wait him out. I sat for 20 minutes and we made a tiny bit of progress. I was thinking, 'okay, it's going to be slow going.' But on our next visit I was able to leash him. He went to the far end of the leash and averted his gaze, but when I stood up to go he came right to me and we went for our first walk.

I usually begin work with a very reactive dog  by making them my "third" dog (and the dog I spend the least time with, by far.) I stand outside their kennel while they do their thing - which can look and sound super aggressive - I try to remember to stand sideways and not look at them at first. I say, hello in a calm, level voice, use their name and tell them how good they are and toss a treat over the top of the door. Often they are so reactive at first there is no point in waiting for even a tiny bit of improvement. I just toss a treat into their kennel and move on. But it really doesn't take long for them to recognize me as good news on the way and their reactivity cuts way back. They begin on their own to meet me with four on the floor, and I can move from tossing the treat over the kennel door to popping it through the opening next to the kennel door - keeping my fingers safely on my side of the door. 

With some dogs, before I take them out on my own, I meet them with a staff member in the exercise yard as an intro. I always defer to staff and let them know how things are going by sending them email updates with training details. Often, these updates are passed on to the new owner. 

When I'm able to take a dog from its kennel, I triage based on the behavior I see. Reducing jumping is often a goal, grabbing treats, and basic cues are runners up. But I also work with dogs who present as aloof or not interested in play. Aloofness and no way to easily warm up to a dog in the meet and greet room isn't going to impress anyone. Honestly, anything is possible - it is tremendous fun to teach a dog who shows no interest in chasing balls to get into it whole-heartedly.

I generally end each visit to the shelter by going up and down the kennel hallway, stopping in front of each kennel to say hello and tossing a small treat to each dog, looking for the best behavior they're able to offer. It ups my reputation with all the dogs : ) and I also believe they are less likely to get agitated when they see me taking other dogs out because they know the sequence of events I set off when I arrive ends with them getting a treat. I love walking down a silent kennel giving out those treats. (Doesn't happen often because of other things going on or new dogs who don't know me, but when it does it is pretty golden). That trip also helps me get to know the dogs, which will be helpful when one or more of them gets a turn on my list. 

I really appreciate all I'm learning through this site and hope this info is helpful!

I think two elements are crucial to the success I have: my willingness to develop a close bond with a dog I'm hoping to 'lose' through adoption, and the shelter personnel's advocacy for their dogs. One person in the staff/admin/volunteer universe who is enthusiastic about a dog can make all the difference in others' attitudes. 

"One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. …"

Yes. So behavior problems within shelters are because of the same reasons.  Do you agree their needs are not being met within the shelter structure?

"…So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia?"

By having shelters be the epitome of dog care, where people can observe, learn about, interact with safely and help teach dogs necessary life skills through daily interactions, which they currently are not. Shelter environments are not, from what I see and No one has shown me differently, built for dogs. In fact, I need someone to explain to me how meeting the needs of dogs falls outside of the facility in which they're kept.

If you are interacting with a dog, even just holding the leash, you are "training" because the dog is actively learning.  

Please share what a typical dog day is for those in your care.

What "behavior" problems need specialized outsourced instruction? Dog only?

What behaviors are you routinely looking to have trained? 

What does a day for shelter staff look like?

What do employees need that they don't have? 

------------------------------
Diane Cuff
Owner/operator
Waggin'Tails Boarding Kennels

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2023 02:11 PM
From: Maggie Thomas
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

Honest question:   for those of us in areas where dogs are dying in droves, and there aren't enough rescue spots for all of them, what's the logic behind fundraising $1500 for "behavior turnaround" that may or may not result in a dog that has to be "managed" for life due to fearful genetics causing fear-biting, when another dog with no temperament issues desperately needs that spot?  

I could fundraise $1500 on orthopedics to fix a hit-by-car dog with GREAT temperament who will be a fantastic adoption ambassador and family pet.   The risk seems a lot lower with the dog with the great temperament.  To me, that $1500 would be better spent on the dog with the great temperament.  

I say this as someone who HAS spent that $1500 and more on a variety of the best trainers, consulted with a board-certified vet behavorist at a vet school, and gave the dog over a year of rehab....only to have a dog that the vet behaviorist said was unadoptable and would never be safe in the community. 

(Also:  our insurer now has pretty strict standards on intake.  I think small rescue orgs that are working with turn-around fear-biters might perhaps want to have their director check on their insurance with respect to dogs like that.)

------------------------------
Maggie Thomas
President
Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2023 12:08 PM
From: Sara Ondrako
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

#AccesstoCare
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms

------------------------------
Sara Ondrako
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Whole Dog Behavior and Wellness
------------------------------

Eudora,  what a great procedure you have developed that helps allow the dogs a bit of time to settle as best as they can in the shelter. You must have great staff and a good organization that recognizes this need v. simply labeling these dog unadoptable.  Does the org now make this part of volunteer training so that more volunteers continue what you do?

Eudora,

You are an amazing volunteer. Thank you for giving the dogs agency. We often don't realize how much these dogs lose when they end up in a shelter. They no longer have a routine, people they know, familiar smells and sounds, feeling safe, and social interactions with their people or with other house pets. A rug has been pulled under them. Instead, they are bombarded with smells they don't know, stressful barking noises from other dogs, and strange people. This is what trauma looks like. While many of these new occurrences can't be changed, building a relationship gives these dogs something to look forward to. Your quiet sitting with them is a gift. These dogs are very lucky to have you as their advocate. I thank you for being compassionate. We need more volunteers like you. 

I completely agree that interaction equals training.

Diane, you ask about out-sourced training, but I'll contribute ideas about what training can be in-sourced. I'm not a credentialed trainer, I'm a volunteer who had lots of family pets and a few obedience and agility courses under my belt when I began volunteering. Before I started, I thought I was going to be "walking" the dogs (ha!), but actually, from the first day 2.5 years ago, I realized I was going to be training them, and I decided to gear that training to helping them become more adoptable. That goal incorporates, of course, the goal of helping them be less stressed in a less-than-ideal situation.

Now I've had a lot of shelter experience and many, many hours of watching videos and reading articles and books while I searched for effective approaches to whatever behaviors I was faced with at the shelter. Besides looking for answers via research, here's my approach, which has proved effective for me and possibly helpful for others.

Some volunteers try to take out as many dogs as possible during their visit -  I focus on 2-3 dogs over time and work actively to develop a close bond with them. My process begins with selecting which dogs I work with. Early on, once they saw my success with a super smart but very naughty young dog, who was adopted a few weeks after I began working with her, the shelter staff pointed out a deaf cattle dog as one I might want for my next "project dog." That dog became my primary dog and I selected another dog and those two became my primary and secondary dogs. If I only had time for one dog in a visit, I always chose the primary dog. While I was working with those two dogs, I kept my eye out for the next candidate for when a slot opened up through adoption.(This system, with its built in decision process really helped me focus and not fall into feeling badly about the dogs I didn't have time to take out.)

I found I did well with dogs that were very fearful and expressed that by extreme avoidance (crouching, trembling, barking) or by extreme reactivity (lunging at the kennel door, screaming "get out of here").  

For the very fearful dogs who practice avoidance, I generally start by just sitting in their kennel talking to them softly, not looking at them for the 20 minutes I allot to each dog. The first such dog I worked with taught me a ton - I decided after a few minutes of him watching me from the door to his outdoor run, that just sitting there wasn't going to work and left the kennel.  But the next day I decided I'd just wait him out. I sat for 20 minutes and we made a tiny bit of progress. I was thinking, 'okay, it's going to be slow going.' But on our next visit I was able to leash him. He went to the far end of the leash and averted his gaze, but when I stood up to go he came right to me and we went for our first walk.

I usually begin work with a very reactive dog  by making them my "third" dog (and the dog I spend the least time with, by far.) I stand outside their kennel while they do their thing - which can look and sound super aggressive - I try to remember to stand sideways and not look at them at first. I say, hello in a calm, level voice, use their name and tell them how good they are and toss a treat over the top of the door. Often they are so reactive at first there is no point in waiting for even a tiny bit of improvement. I just toss a treat into their kennel and move on. But it really doesn't take long for them to recognize me as good news on the way and their reactivity cuts way back. They begin on their own to meet me with four on the floor, and I can move from tossing the treat over the kennel door to popping it through the opening next to the kennel door - keeping my fingers safely on my side of the door. 

With some dogs, before I take them out on my own, I meet them with a staff member in the exercise yard as an intro. I always defer to staff and let them know how things are going by sending them email updates with training details. Often, these updates are passed on to the new owner. 

When I'm able to take a dog from its kennel, I triage based on the behavior I see. Reducing jumping is often a goal, grabbing treats, and basic cues are runners up. But I also work with dogs who present as aloof or not interested in play. Aloofness and no way to easily warm up to a dog in the meet and greet room isn't going to impress anyone. Honestly, anything is possible - it is tremendous fun to teach a dog who shows no interest in chasing balls to get into it whole-heartedly.

I generally end each visit to the shelter by going up and down the kennel hallway, stopping in front of each kennel to say hello and tossing a small treat to each dog, looking for the best behavior they're able to offer. It ups my reputation with all the dogs : ) and I also believe they are less likely to get agitated when they see me taking other dogs out because they know the sequence of events I set off when I arrive ends with them getting a treat. I love walking down a silent kennel giving out those treats. (Doesn't happen often because of other things going on or new dogs who don't know me, but when it does it is pretty golden). That trip also helps me get to know the dogs, which will be helpful when one or more of them gets a turn on my list. 

I really appreciate all I'm learning through this site and hope this info is helpful!

I think two elements are crucial to the success I have: my willingness to develop a close bond with a dog I'm hoping to 'lose' through adoption, and the shelter personnel's advocacy for their dogs. One person in the staff/admin/volunteer universe who is enthusiastic about a dog can make all the difference in others' attitudes. 

"One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. …"

Yes. So behavior problems within shelters are because of the same reasons.  Do you agree their needs are not being met within the shelter structure?

"…So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia?"

By having shelters be the epitome of dog care, where people can observe, learn about, interact with safely and help teach dogs necessary life skills through daily interactions, which they currently are not. Shelter environments are not, from what I see and No one has shown me differently, built for dogs. In fact, I need someone to explain to me how meeting the needs of dogs falls outside of the facility in which they're kept.

If you are interacting with a dog, even just holding the leash, you are "training" because the dog is actively learning.  

Please share what a typical dog day is for those in your care.

What "behavior" problems need specialized outsourced instruction? Dog only?

What behaviors are you routinely looking to have trained? 

What does a day for shelter staff look like?

What do employees need that they don't have? 

------------------------------
Diane Cuff
Owner/operator
Waggin'Tails Boarding Kennels

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2023 02:11 PM
From: Maggie Thomas
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

Honest question:   for those of us in areas where dogs are dying in droves, and there aren't enough rescue spots for all of them, what's the logic behind fundraising $1500 for "behavior turnaround" that may or may not result in a dog that has to be "managed" for life due to fearful genetics causing fear-biting, when another dog with no temperament issues desperately needs that spot?  

I could fundraise $1500 on orthopedics to fix a hit-by-car dog with GREAT temperament who will be a fantastic adoption ambassador and family pet.   The risk seems a lot lower with the dog with the great temperament.  To me, that $1500 would be better spent on the dog with the great temperament.  

I say this as someone who HAS spent that $1500 and more on a variety of the best trainers, consulted with a board-certified vet behavorist at a vet school, and gave the dog over a year of rehab....only to have a dog that the vet behaviorist said was unadoptable and would never be safe in the community. 

(Also:  our insurer now has pretty strict standards on intake.  I think small rescue orgs that are working with turn-around fear-biters might perhaps want to have their director check on their insurance with respect to dogs like that.)

------------------------------
Maggie Thomas
President
Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2023 12:08 PM
From: Sara Ondrako
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

#AccesstoCare
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms

------------------------------
Sara Ondrako
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Whole Dog Behavior and Wellness
------------------------------

Eudora,  what a great procedure you have developed that helps allow the dogs a bit of time to settle as best as they can in the shelter. You must have great staff and a good organization that recognizes this need v. simply labeling these dog unadoptable.  Does the org now make this part of volunteer training so that more volunteers continue what you do?

Eudora,

You are an amazing volunteer. Thank you for giving the dogs agency. We often don't realize how much these dogs lose when they end up in a shelter. They no longer have a routine, people they know, familiar smells and sounds, feeling safe, and social interactions with their people or with other house pets. A rug has been pulled under them. Instead, they are bombarded with smells they don't know, stressful barking noises from other dogs, and strange people. This is what trauma looks like. While many of these new occurrences can't be changed, building a relationship gives these dogs something to look forward to. Your quiet sitting with them is a gift. These dogs are very lucky to have you as their advocate. I thank you for being compassionate. We need more volunteers like you. 

I completely agree that interaction equals training.

Diane, you ask about out-sourced training, but I'll contribute ideas about what training can be in-sourced. I'm not a credentialed trainer, I'm a volunteer who had lots of family pets and a few obedience and agility courses under my belt when I began volunteering. Before I started, I thought I was going to be "walking" the dogs (ha!), but actually, from the first day 2.5 years ago, I realized I was going to be training them, and I decided to gear that training to helping them become more adoptable. That goal incorporates, of course, the goal of helping them be less stressed in a less-than-ideal situation.

Now I've had a lot of shelter experience and many, many hours of watching videos and reading articles and books while I searched for effective approaches to whatever behaviors I was faced with at the shelter. Besides looking for answers via research, here's my approach, which has proved effective for me and possibly helpful for others.

Some volunteers try to take out as many dogs as possible during their visit -  I focus on 2-3 dogs over time and work actively to develop a close bond with them. My process begins with selecting which dogs I work with. Early on, once they saw my success with a super smart but very naughty young dog, who was adopted a few weeks after I began working with her, the shelter staff pointed out a deaf cattle dog as one I might want for my next "project dog." That dog became my primary dog and I selected another dog and those two became my primary and secondary dogs. If I only had time for one dog in a visit, I always chose the primary dog. While I was working with those two dogs, I kept my eye out for the next candidate for when a slot opened up through adoption.(This system, with its built in decision process really helped me focus and not fall into feeling badly about the dogs I didn't have time to take out.)

I found I did well with dogs that were very fearful and expressed that by extreme avoidance (crouching, trembling, barking) or by extreme reactivity (lunging at the kennel door, screaming "get out of here").  

For the very fearful dogs who practice avoidance, I generally start by just sitting in their kennel talking to them softly, not looking at them for the 20 minutes I allot to each dog. The first such dog I worked with taught me a ton - I decided after a few minutes of him watching me from the door to his outdoor run, that just sitting there wasn't going to work and left the kennel.  But the next day I decided I'd just wait him out. I sat for 20 minutes and we made a tiny bit of progress. I was thinking, 'okay, it's going to be slow going.' But on our next visit I was able to leash him. He went to the far end of the leash and averted his gaze, but when I stood up to go he came right to me and we went for our first walk.

I usually begin work with a very reactive dog  by making them my "third" dog (and the dog I spend the least time with, by far.) I stand outside their kennel while they do their thing - which can look and sound super aggressive - I try to remember to stand sideways and not look at them at first. I say, hello in a calm, level voice, use their name and tell them how good they are and toss a treat over the top of the door. Often they are so reactive at first there is no point in waiting for even a tiny bit of improvement. I just toss a treat into their kennel and move on. But it really doesn't take long for them to recognize me as good news on the way and their reactivity cuts way back. They begin on their own to meet me with four on the floor, and I can move from tossing the treat over the kennel door to popping it through the opening next to the kennel door - keeping my fingers safely on my side of the door. 

With some dogs, before I take them out on my own, I meet them with a staff member in the exercise yard as an intro. I always defer to staff and let them know how things are going by sending them email updates with training details. Often, these updates are passed on to the new owner. 

When I'm able to take a dog from its kennel, I triage based on the behavior I see. Reducing jumping is often a goal, grabbing treats, and basic cues are runners up. But I also work with dogs who present as aloof or not interested in play. Aloofness and no way to easily warm up to a dog in the meet and greet room isn't going to impress anyone. Honestly, anything is possible - it is tremendous fun to teach a dog who shows no interest in chasing balls to get into it whole-heartedly.

I generally end each visit to the shelter by going up and down the kennel hallway, stopping in front of each kennel to say hello and tossing a small treat to each dog, looking for the best behavior they're able to offer. It ups my reputation with all the dogs : ) and I also believe they are less likely to get agitated when they see me taking other dogs out because they know the sequence of events I set off when I arrive ends with them getting a treat. I love walking down a silent kennel giving out those treats. (Doesn't happen often because of other things going on or new dogs who don't know me, but when it does it is pretty golden). That trip also helps me get to know the dogs, which will be helpful when one or more of them gets a turn on my list. 

I really appreciate all I'm learning through this site and hope this info is helpful!

I think two elements are crucial to the success I have: my willingness to develop a close bond with a dog I'm hoping to 'lose' through adoption, and the shelter personnel's advocacy for their dogs. One person in the staff/admin/volunteer universe who is enthusiastic about a dog can make all the difference in others' attitudes. 

"One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. …"

Yes. So behavior problems within shelters are because of the same reasons.  Do you agree their needs are not being met within the shelter structure?

"…So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia?"

By having shelters be the epitome of dog care, where people can observe, learn about, interact with safely and help teach dogs necessary life skills through daily interactions, which they currently are not. Shelter environments are not, from what I see and No one has shown me differently, built for dogs. In fact, I need someone to explain to me how meeting the needs of dogs falls outside of the facility in which they're kept.

If you are interacting with a dog, even just holding the leash, you are "training" because the dog is actively learning.  

Please share what a typical dog day is for those in your care.

What "behavior" problems need specialized outsourced instruction? Dog only?

What behaviors are you routinely looking to have trained? 

What does a day for shelter staff look like?

What do employees need that they don't have? 

------------------------------
Diane Cuff
Owner/operator
Waggin'Tails Boarding Kennels

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2023 02:11 PM
From: Maggie Thomas
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

Honest question:   for those of us in areas where dogs are dying in droves, and there aren't enough rescue spots for all of them, what's the logic behind fundraising $1500 for "behavior turnaround" that may or may not result in a dog that has to be "managed" for life due to fearful genetics causing fear-biting, when another dog with no temperament issues desperately needs that spot?  

I could fundraise $1500 on orthopedics to fix a hit-by-car dog with GREAT temperament who will be a fantastic adoption ambassador and family pet.   The risk seems a lot lower with the dog with the great temperament.  To me, that $1500 would be better spent on the dog with the great temperament.  

I say this as someone who HAS spent that $1500 and more on a variety of the best trainers, consulted with a board-certified vet behavorist at a vet school, and gave the dog over a year of rehab....only to have a dog that the vet behaviorist said was unadoptable and would never be safe in the community. 

(Also:  our insurer now has pretty strict standards on intake.  I think small rescue orgs that are working with turn-around fear-biters might perhaps want to have their director check on their insurance with respect to dogs like that.)

------------------------------
Maggie Thomas
President
Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2023 12:08 PM
From: Sara Ondrako
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

#AccesstoCare
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms

------------------------------
Sara Ondrako
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Whole Dog Behavior and Wellness
------------------------------

Mary Lou,

I took a peek at your organization and I completely fell in love with your philosophy and mission. What a wonderful group of animal advocates. I know the philosophy we share might not be the most popular (even here is the West Coast) but it is my beacon and guiding light. Thank you again for rescuing the "unadoptables." Let's Be Kind!

Eudora,  what a great procedure you have developed that helps allow the dogs a bit of time to settle as best as they can in the shelter. You must have great staff and a good organization that recognizes this need v. simply labeling these dog unadoptable.  Does the org now make this part of volunteer training so that more volunteers continue what you do?

Eudora,

You are an amazing volunteer. Thank you for giving the dogs agency. We often don't realize how much these dogs lose when they end up in a shelter. They no longer have a routine, people they know, familiar smells and sounds, feeling safe, and social interactions with their people or with other house pets. A rug has been pulled under them. Instead, they are bombarded with smells they don't know, stressful barking noises from other dogs, and strange people. This is what trauma looks like. While many of these new occurrences can't be changed, building a relationship gives these dogs something to look forward to. Your quiet sitting with them is a gift. These dogs are very lucky to have you as their advocate. I thank you for being compassionate. We need more volunteers like you. 

I completely agree that interaction equals training.

Diane, you ask about out-sourced training, but I'll contribute ideas about what training can be in-sourced. I'm not a credentialed trainer, I'm a volunteer who had lots of family pets and a few obedience and agility courses under my belt when I began volunteering. Before I started, I thought I was going to be "walking" the dogs (ha!), but actually, from the first day 2.5 years ago, I realized I was going to be training them, and I decided to gear that training to helping them become more adoptable. That goal incorporates, of course, the goal of helping them be less stressed in a less-than-ideal situation.

Now I've had a lot of shelter experience and many, many hours of watching videos and reading articles and books while I searched for effective approaches to whatever behaviors I was faced with at the shelter. Besides looking for answers via research, here's my approach, which has proved effective for me and possibly helpful for others.

Some volunteers try to take out as many dogs as possible during their visit -  I focus on 2-3 dogs over time and work actively to develop a close bond with them. My process begins with selecting which dogs I work with. Early on, once they saw my success with a super smart but very naughty young dog, who was adopted a few weeks after I began working with her, the shelter staff pointed out a deaf cattle dog as one I might want for my next "project dog." That dog became my primary dog and I selected another dog and those two became my primary and secondary dogs. If I only had time for one dog in a visit, I always chose the primary dog. While I was working with those two dogs, I kept my eye out for the next candidate for when a slot opened up through adoption.(This system, with its built in decision process really helped me focus and not fall into feeling badly about the dogs I didn't have time to take out.)

I found I did well with dogs that were very fearful and expressed that by extreme avoidance (crouching, trembling, barking) or by extreme reactivity (lunging at the kennel door, screaming "get out of here").  

For the very fearful dogs who practice avoidance, I generally start by just sitting in their kennel talking to them softly, not looking at them for the 20 minutes I allot to each dog. The first such dog I worked with taught me a ton - I decided after a few minutes of him watching me from the door to his outdoor run, that just sitting there wasn't going to work and left the kennel.  But the next day I decided I'd just wait him out. I sat for 20 minutes and we made a tiny bit of progress. I was thinking, 'okay, it's going to be slow going.' But on our next visit I was able to leash him. He went to the far end of the leash and averted his gaze, but when I stood up to go he came right to me and we went for our first walk.

I usually begin work with a very reactive dog  by making them my "third" dog (and the dog I spend the least time with, by far.) I stand outside their kennel while they do their thing - which can look and sound super aggressive - I try to remember to stand sideways and not look at them at first. I say, hello in a calm, level voice, use their name and tell them how good they are and toss a treat over the top of the door. Often they are so reactive at first there is no point in waiting for even a tiny bit of improvement. I just toss a treat into their kennel and move on. But it really doesn't take long for them to recognize me as good news on the way and their reactivity cuts way back. They begin on their own to meet me with four on the floor, and I can move from tossing the treat over the kennel door to popping it through the opening next to the kennel door - keeping my fingers safely on my side of the door. 

With some dogs, before I take them out on my own, I meet them with a staff member in the exercise yard as an intro. I always defer to staff and let them know how things are going by sending them email updates with training details. Often, these updates are passed on to the new owner. 

When I'm able to take a dog from its kennel, I triage based on the behavior I see. Reducing jumping is often a goal, grabbing treats, and basic cues are runners up. But I also work with dogs who present as aloof or not interested in play. Aloofness and no way to easily warm up to a dog in the meet and greet room isn't going to impress anyone. Honestly, anything is possible - it is tremendous fun to teach a dog who shows no interest in chasing balls to get into it whole-heartedly.

I generally end each visit to the shelter by going up and down the kennel hallway, stopping in front of each kennel to say hello and tossing a small treat to each dog, looking for the best behavior they're able to offer. It ups my reputation with all the dogs : ) and I also believe they are less likely to get agitated when they see me taking other dogs out because they know the sequence of events I set off when I arrive ends with them getting a treat. I love walking down a silent kennel giving out those treats. (Doesn't happen often because of other things going on or new dogs who don't know me, but when it does it is pretty golden). That trip also helps me get to know the dogs, which will be helpful when one or more of them gets a turn on my list. 

I really appreciate all I'm learning through this site and hope this info is helpful!

I think two elements are crucial to the success I have: my willingness to develop a close bond with a dog I'm hoping to 'lose' through adoption, and the shelter personnel's advocacy for their dogs. One person in the staff/admin/volunteer universe who is enthusiastic about a dog can make all the difference in others' attitudes. 

"One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. …"

Yes. So behavior problems within shelters are because of the same reasons.  Do you agree their needs are not being met within the shelter structure?

"…So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia?"

By having shelters be the epitome of dog care, where people can observe, learn about, interact with safely and help teach dogs necessary life skills through daily interactions, which they currently are not. Shelter environments are not, from what I see and No one has shown me differently, built for dogs. In fact, I need someone to explain to me how meeting the needs of dogs falls outside of the facility in which they're kept.

If you are interacting with a dog, even just holding the leash, you are "training" because the dog is actively learning.  

Please share what a typical dog day is for those in your care.

What "behavior" problems need specialized outsourced instruction? Dog only?

What behaviors are you routinely looking to have trained? 

What does a day for shelter staff look like?

What do employees need that they don't have? 

------------------------------
Diane Cuff
Owner/operator
Waggin'Tails Boarding Kennels

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2023 02:11 PM
From: Maggie Thomas
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

Honest question:   for those of us in areas where dogs are dying in droves, and there aren't enough rescue spots for all of them, what's the logic behind fundraising $1500 for "behavior turnaround" that may or may not result in a dog that has to be "managed" for life due to fearful genetics causing fear-biting, when another dog with no temperament issues desperately needs that spot?  

I could fundraise $1500 on orthopedics to fix a hit-by-car dog with GREAT temperament who will be a fantastic adoption ambassador and family pet.   The risk seems a lot lower with the dog with the great temperament.  To me, that $1500 would be better spent on the dog with the great temperament.  

I say this as someone who HAS spent that $1500 and more on a variety of the best trainers, consulted with a board-certified vet behavorist at a vet school, and gave the dog over a year of rehab....only to have a dog that the vet behaviorist said was unadoptable and would never be safe in the community. 

(Also:  our insurer now has pretty strict standards on intake.  I think small rescue orgs that are working with turn-around fear-biters might perhaps want to have their director check on their insurance with respect to dogs like that.)

------------------------------
Maggie Thomas
President
Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2023 12:08 PM
From: Sara Ondrako
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

#AccesstoCare
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms

------------------------------
Sara Ondrako
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Whole Dog Behavior and Wellness
------------------------------

Hello all,

Mary Lou, I also took a peek at your organization. I really appreciate the resources you offer.

I read the bit about muzzle training and can see the benefit. I know our clinic uses soft muzzles for procedures that will trigger reactions; I think basket muzzles have potential to  work for introducing and staff and/or our experienced volunteers to those dogs whose early behavior has scared people off from wanting to work with them barrier-free. I'd use the 'slow intro with goodies' method  to ensure the muzzle training went well.

Any advice abut brands? what to look for in a basket muzzle?

Mary Lou,

I took a peek at your organization and I completely fell in love with your philosophy and mission. What a wonderful group of animal advocates. I know the philosophy we share might not be the most popular (even here is the West Coast) but it is my beacon and guiding light. Thank you again for rescuing the "unadoptables." Let's Be Kind!

Eudora,  what a great procedure you have developed that helps allow the dogs a bit of time to settle as best as they can in the shelter. You must have great staff and a good organization that recognizes this need v. simply labeling these dog unadoptable.  Does the org now make this part of volunteer training so that more volunteers continue what you do?

Eudora,

You are an amazing volunteer. Thank you for giving the dogs agency. We often don't realize how much these dogs lose when they end up in a shelter. They no longer have a routine, people they know, familiar smells and sounds, feeling safe, and social interactions with their people or with other house pets. A rug has been pulled under them. Instead, they are bombarded with smells they don't know, stressful barking noises from other dogs, and strange people. This is what trauma looks like. While many of these new occurrences can't be changed, building a relationship gives these dogs something to look forward to. Your quiet sitting with them is a gift. These dogs are very lucky to have you as their advocate. I thank you for being compassionate. We need more volunteers like you. 

I completely agree that interaction equals training.

Diane, you ask about out-sourced training, but I'll contribute ideas about what training can be in-sourced. I'm not a credentialed trainer, I'm a volunteer who had lots of family pets and a few obedience and agility courses under my belt when I began volunteering. Before I started, I thought I was going to be "walking" the dogs (ha!), but actually, from the first day 2.5 years ago, I realized I was going to be training them, and I decided to gear that training to helping them become more adoptable. That goal incorporates, of course, the goal of helping them be less stressed in a less-than-ideal situation.

Now I've had a lot of shelter experience and many, many hours of watching videos and reading articles and books while I searched for effective approaches to whatever behaviors I was faced with at the shelter. Besides looking for answers via research, here's my approach, which has proved effective for me and possibly helpful for others.

Some volunteers try to take out as many dogs as possible during their visit -  I focus on 2-3 dogs over time and work actively to develop a close bond with them. My process begins with selecting which dogs I work with. Early on, once they saw my success with a super smart but very naughty young dog, who was adopted a few weeks after I began working with her, the shelter staff pointed out a deaf cattle dog as one I might want for my next "project dog." That dog became my primary dog and I selected another dog and those two became my primary and secondary dogs. If I only had time for one dog in a visit, I always chose the primary dog. While I was working with those two dogs, I kept my eye out for the next candidate for when a slot opened up through adoption.(This system, with its built in decision process really helped me focus and not fall into feeling badly about the dogs I didn't have time to take out.)

I found I did well with dogs that were very fearful and expressed that by extreme avoidance (crouching, trembling, barking) or by extreme reactivity (lunging at the kennel door, screaming "get out of here").  

For the very fearful dogs who practice avoidance, I generally start by just sitting in their kennel talking to them softly, not looking at them for the 20 minutes I allot to each dog. The first such dog I worked with taught me a ton - I decided after a few minutes of him watching me from the door to his outdoor run, that just sitting there wasn't going to work and left the kennel.  But the next day I decided I'd just wait him out. I sat for 20 minutes and we made a tiny bit of progress. I was thinking, 'okay, it's going to be slow going.' But on our next visit I was able to leash him. He went to the far end of the leash and averted his gaze, but when I stood up to go he came right to me and we went for our first walk.

I usually begin work with a very reactive dog  by making them my "third" dog (and the dog I spend the least time with, by far.) I stand outside their kennel while they do their thing - which can look and sound super aggressive - I try to remember to stand sideways and not look at them at first. I say, hello in a calm, level voice, use their name and tell them how good they are and toss a treat over the top of the door. Often they are so reactive at first there is no point in waiting for even a tiny bit of improvement. I just toss a treat into their kennel and move on. But it really doesn't take long for them to recognize me as good news on the way and their reactivity cuts way back. They begin on their own to meet me with four on the floor, and I can move from tossing the treat over the kennel door to popping it through the opening next to the kennel door - keeping my fingers safely on my side of the door. 

With some dogs, before I take them out on my own, I meet them with a staff member in the exercise yard as an intro. I always defer to staff and let them know how things are going by sending them email updates with training details. Often, these updates are passed on to the new owner. 

When I'm able to take a dog from its kennel, I triage based on the behavior I see. Reducing jumping is often a goal, grabbing treats, and basic cues are runners up. But I also work with dogs who present as aloof or not interested in play. Aloofness and no way to easily warm up to a dog in the meet and greet room isn't going to impress anyone. Honestly, anything is possible - it is tremendous fun to teach a dog who shows no interest in chasing balls to get into it whole-heartedly.

I generally end each visit to the shelter by going up and down the kennel hallway, stopping in front of each kennel to say hello and tossing a small treat to each dog, looking for the best behavior they're able to offer. It ups my reputation with all the dogs : ) and I also believe they are less likely to get agitated when they see me taking other dogs out because they know the sequence of events I set off when I arrive ends with them getting a treat. I love walking down a silent kennel giving out those treats. (Doesn't happen often because of other things going on or new dogs who don't know me, but when it does it is pretty golden). That trip also helps me get to know the dogs, which will be helpful when one or more of them gets a turn on my list. 

I really appreciate all I'm learning through this site and hope this info is helpful!

I think two elements are crucial to the success I have: my willingness to develop a close bond with a dog I'm hoping to 'lose' through adoption, and the shelter personnel's advocacy for their dogs. One person in the staff/admin/volunteer universe who is enthusiastic about a dog can make all the difference in others' attitudes. 

"One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. …"

Yes. So behavior problems within shelters are because of the same reasons.  Do you agree their needs are not being met within the shelter structure?

"…So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia?"

By having shelters be the epitome of dog care, where people can observe, learn about, interact with safely and help teach dogs necessary life skills through daily interactions, which they currently are not. Shelter environments are not, from what I see and No one has shown me differently, built for dogs. In fact, I need someone to explain to me how meeting the needs of dogs falls outside of the facility in which they're kept.

If you are interacting with a dog, even just holding the leash, you are "training" because the dog is actively learning.  

Please share what a typical dog day is for those in your care.

What "behavior" problems need specialized outsourced instruction? Dog only?

What behaviors are you routinely looking to have trained? 

What does a day for shelter staff look like?

What do employees need that they don't have? 

------------------------------
Diane Cuff
Owner/operator
Waggin'Tails Boarding Kennels

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2023 02:11 PM
From: Maggie Thomas
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

Honest question:   for those of us in areas where dogs are dying in droves, and there aren't enough rescue spots for all of them, what's the logic behind fundraising $1500 for "behavior turnaround" that may or may not result in a dog that has to be "managed" for life due to fearful genetics causing fear-biting, when another dog with no temperament issues desperately needs that spot?  

I could fundraise $1500 on orthopedics to fix a hit-by-car dog with GREAT temperament who will be a fantastic adoption ambassador and family pet.   The risk seems a lot lower with the dog with the great temperament.  To me, that $1500 would be better spent on the dog with the great temperament.  

I say this as someone who HAS spent that $1500 and more on a variety of the best trainers, consulted with a board-certified vet behavorist at a vet school, and gave the dog over a year of rehab....only to have a dog that the vet behaviorist said was unadoptable and would never be safe in the community. 

(Also:  our insurer now has pretty strict standards on intake.  I think small rescue orgs that are working with turn-around fear-biters might perhaps want to have their director check on their insurance with respect to dogs like that.)

------------------------------
Maggie Thomas
President
Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2023 12:08 PM
From: Sara Ondrako
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

#AccesstoCare
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms

------------------------------
Sara Ondrako
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Whole Dog Behavior and Wellness
------------------------------

Hello all,

Mary Lou, I also took a peek at your organization. I really appreciate the resources you offer.

I read the bit about muzzle training and can see the benefit. I know our clinic uses soft muzzles for procedures that will trigger reactions; I think basket muzzles have potential to  work for introducing and staff and/or our experienced volunteers to those dogs whose early behavior has scared people off from wanting to work with them barrier-free. I'd use the 'slow intro with goodies' method  to ensure the muzzle training went well.

Any advice abut brands? what to look for in a basket muzzle?

Mary Lou,

I took a peek at your organization and I completely fell in love with your philosophy and mission. What a wonderful group of animal advocates. I know the philosophy we share might not be the most popular (even here is the West Coast) but it is my beacon and guiding light. Thank you again for rescuing the "unadoptables." Let's Be Kind!

Eudora,  what a great procedure you have developed that helps allow the dogs a bit of time to settle as best as they can in the shelter. You must have great staff and a good organization that recognizes this need v. simply labeling these dog unadoptable.  Does the org now make this part of volunteer training so that more volunteers continue what you do?

Eudora,

You are an amazing volunteer. Thank you for giving the dogs agency. We often don't realize how much these dogs lose when they end up in a shelter. They no longer have a routine, people they know, familiar smells and sounds, feeling safe, and social interactions with their people or with other house pets. A rug has been pulled under them. Instead, they are bombarded with smells they don't know, stressful barking noises from other dogs, and strange people. This is what trauma looks like. While many of these new occurrences can't be changed, building a relationship gives these dogs something to look forward to. Your quiet sitting with them is a gift. These dogs are very lucky to have you as their advocate. I thank you for being compassionate. We need more volunteers like you. 

I completely agree that interaction equals training.

Diane, you ask about out-sourced training, but I'll contribute ideas about what training can be in-sourced. I'm not a credentialed trainer, I'm a volunteer who had lots of family pets and a few obedience and agility courses under my belt when I began volunteering. Before I started, I thought I was going to be "walking" the dogs (ha!), but actually, from the first day 2.5 years ago, I realized I was going to be training them, and I decided to gear that training to helping them become more adoptable. That goal incorporates, of course, the goal of helping them be less stressed in a less-than-ideal situation.

Now I've had a lot of shelter experience and many, many hours of watching videos and reading articles and books while I searched for effective approaches to whatever behaviors I was faced with at the shelter. Besides looking for answers via research, here's my approach, which has proved effective for me and possibly helpful for others.

Some volunteers try to take out as many dogs as possible during their visit -  I focus on 2-3 dogs over time and work actively to develop a close bond with them. My process begins with selecting which dogs I work with. Early on, once they saw my success with a super smart but very naughty young dog, who was adopted a few weeks after I began working with her, the shelter staff pointed out a deaf cattle dog as one I might want for my next "project dog." That dog became my primary dog and I selected another dog and those two became my primary and secondary dogs. If I only had time for one dog in a visit, I always chose the primary dog. While I was working with those two dogs, I kept my eye out for the next candidate for when a slot opened up through adoption.(This system, with its built in decision process really helped me focus and not fall into feeling badly about the dogs I didn't have time to take out.)

I found I did well with dogs that were very fearful and expressed that by extreme avoidance (crouching, trembling, barking) or by extreme reactivity (lunging at the kennel door, screaming "get out of here").  

For the very fearful dogs who practice avoidance, I generally start by just sitting in their kennel talking to them softly, not looking at them for the 20 minutes I allot to each dog. The first such dog I worked with taught me a ton - I decided after a few minutes of him watching me from the door to his outdoor run, that just sitting there wasn't going to work and left the kennel.  But the next day I decided I'd just wait him out. I sat for 20 minutes and we made a tiny bit of progress. I was thinking, 'okay, it's going to be slow going.' But on our next visit I was able to leash him. He went to the far end of the leash and averted his gaze, but when I stood up to go he came right to me and we went for our first walk.

I usually begin work with a very reactive dog  by making them my "third" dog (and the dog I spend the least time with, by far.) I stand outside their kennel while they do their thing - which can look and sound super aggressive - I try to remember to stand sideways and not look at them at first. I say, hello in a calm, level voice, use their name and tell them how good they are and toss a treat over the top of the door. Often they are so reactive at first there is no point in waiting for even a tiny bit of improvement. I just toss a treat into their kennel and move on. But it really doesn't take long for them to recognize me as good news on the way and their reactivity cuts way back. They begin on their own to meet me with four on the floor, and I can move from tossing the treat over the kennel door to popping it through the opening next to the kennel door - keeping my fingers safely on my side of the door. 

With some dogs, before I take them out on my own, I meet them with a staff member in the exercise yard as an intro. I always defer to staff and let them know how things are going by sending them email updates with training details. Often, these updates are passed on to the new owner. 

When I'm able to take a dog from its kennel, I triage based on the behavior I see. Reducing jumping is often a goal, grabbing treats, and basic cues are runners up. But I also work with dogs who present as aloof or not interested in play. Aloofness and no way to easily warm up to a dog in the meet and greet room isn't going to impress anyone. Honestly, anything is possible - it is tremendous fun to teach a dog who shows no interest in chasing balls to get into it whole-heartedly.

I generally end each visit to the shelter by going up and down the kennel hallway, stopping in front of each kennel to say hello and tossing a small treat to each dog, looking for the best behavior they're able to offer. It ups my reputation with all the dogs : ) and I also believe they are less likely to get agitated when they see me taking other dogs out because they know the sequence of events I set off when I arrive ends with them getting a treat. I love walking down a silent kennel giving out those treats. (Doesn't happen often because of other things going on or new dogs who don't know me, but when it does it is pretty golden). That trip also helps me get to know the dogs, which will be helpful when one or more of them gets a turn on my list. 

I really appreciate all I'm learning through this site and hope this info is helpful!

I think two elements are crucial to the success I have: my willingness to develop a close bond with a dog I'm hoping to 'lose' through adoption, and the shelter personnel's advocacy for their dogs. One person in the staff/admin/volunteer universe who is enthusiastic about a dog can make all the difference in others' attitudes. 

"One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. …"

Yes. So behavior problems within shelters are because of the same reasons.  Do you agree their needs are not being met within the shelter structure?

"…So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia?"

By having shelters be the epitome of dog care, where people can observe, learn about, interact with safely and help teach dogs necessary life skills through daily interactions, which they currently are not. Shelter environments are not, from what I see and No one has shown me differently, built for dogs. In fact, I need someone to explain to me how meeting the needs of dogs falls outside of the facility in which they're kept.

If you are interacting with a dog, even just holding the leash, you are "training" because the dog is actively learning.  

Please share what a typical dog day is for those in your care.

What "behavior" problems need specialized outsourced instruction? Dog only?

What behaviors are you routinely looking to have trained? 

What does a day for shelter staff look like?

What do employees need that they don't have? 

------------------------------
Diane Cuff
Owner/operator
Waggin'Tails Boarding Kennels

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2023 02:11 PM
From: Maggie Thomas
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

Honest question:   for those of us in areas where dogs are dying in droves, and there aren't enough rescue spots for all of them, what's the logic behind fundraising $1500 for "behavior turnaround" that may or may not result in a dog that has to be "managed" for life due to fearful genetics causing fear-biting, when another dog with no temperament issues desperately needs that spot?  

I could fundraise $1500 on orthopedics to fix a hit-by-car dog with GREAT temperament who will be a fantastic adoption ambassador and family pet.   The risk seems a lot lower with the dog with the great temperament.  To me, that $1500 would be better spent on the dog with the great temperament.  

I say this as someone who HAS spent that $1500 and more on a variety of the best trainers, consulted with a board-certified vet behavorist at a vet school, and gave the dog over a year of rehab....only to have a dog that the vet behaviorist said was unadoptable and would never be safe in the community. 

(Also:  our insurer now has pretty strict standards on intake.  I think small rescue orgs that are working with turn-around fear-biters might perhaps want to have their director check on their insurance with respect to dogs like that.)

------------------------------
Maggie Thomas
President
Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2023 12:08 PM
From: Sara Ondrako
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

#AccesstoCare
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms

------------------------------
Sara Ondrako
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Whole Dog Behavior and Wellness
------------------------------

Hello all,

Mary Lou, I also took a peek at your organization. I really appreciate the resources you offer.

I read the bit about muzzle training and can see the benefit. I know our clinic uses soft muzzles for procedures that will trigger reactions; I think basket muzzles have potential to  work for introducing and staff and/or our experienced volunteers to those dogs whose early behavior has scared people off from wanting to work with them barrier-free. I'd use the 'slow intro with goodies' method  to ensure the muzzle training went well.

Any advice abut brands? what to look for in a basket muzzle?

Mary Lou,

I took a peek at your organization and I completely fell in love with your philosophy and mission. What a wonderful group of animal advocates. I know the philosophy we share might not be the most popular (even here is the West Coast) but it is my beacon and guiding light. Thank you again for rescuing the "unadoptables." Let's Be Kind!

Eudora,  what a great procedure you have developed that helps allow the dogs a bit of time to settle as best as they can in the shelter. You must have great staff and a good organization that recognizes this need v. simply labeling these dog unadoptable.  Does the org now make this part of volunteer training so that more volunteers continue what you do?

Eudora,

You are an amazing volunteer. Thank you for giving the dogs agency. We often don't realize how much these dogs lose when they end up in a shelter. They no longer have a routine, people they know, familiar smells and sounds, feeling safe, and social interactions with their people or with other house pets. A rug has been pulled under them. Instead, they are bombarded with smells they don't know, stressful barking noises from other dogs, and strange people. This is what trauma looks like. While many of these new occurrences can't be changed, building a relationship gives these dogs something to look forward to. Your quiet sitting with them is a gift. These dogs are very lucky to have you as their advocate. I thank you for being compassionate. We need more volunteers like you. 

I completely agree that interaction equals training.

Diane, you ask about out-sourced training, but I'll contribute ideas about what training can be in-sourced. I'm not a credentialed trainer, I'm a volunteer who had lots of family pets and a few obedience and agility courses under my belt when I began volunteering. Before I started, I thought I was going to be "walking" the dogs (ha!), but actually, from the first day 2.5 years ago, I realized I was going to be training them, and I decided to gear that training to helping them become more adoptable. That goal incorporates, of course, the goal of helping them be less stressed in a less-than-ideal situation.

Now I've had a lot of shelter experience and many, many hours of watching videos and reading articles and books while I searched for effective approaches to whatever behaviors I was faced with at the shelter. Besides looking for answers via research, here's my approach, which has proved effective for me and possibly helpful for others.

Some volunteers try to take out as many dogs as possible during their visit -  I focus on 2-3 dogs over time and work actively to develop a close bond with them. My process begins with selecting which dogs I work with. Early on, once they saw my success with a super smart but very naughty young dog, who was adopted a few weeks after I began working with her, the shelter staff pointed out a deaf cattle dog as one I might want for my next "project dog." That dog became my primary dog and I selected another dog and those two became my primary and secondary dogs. If I only had time for one dog in a visit, I always chose the primary dog. While I was working with those two dogs, I kept my eye out for the next candidate for when a slot opened up through adoption.(This system, with its built in decision process really helped me focus and not fall into feeling badly about the dogs I didn't have time to take out.)

I found I did well with dogs that were very fearful and expressed that by extreme avoidance (crouching, trembling, barking) or by extreme reactivity (lunging at the kennel door, screaming "get out of here").  

For the very fearful dogs who practice avoidance, I generally start by just sitting in their kennel talking to them softly, not looking at them for the 20 minutes I allot to each dog. The first such dog I worked with taught me a ton - I decided after a few minutes of him watching me from the door to his outdoor run, that just sitting there wasn't going to work and left the kennel.  But the next day I decided I'd just wait him out. I sat for 20 minutes and we made a tiny bit of progress. I was thinking, 'okay, it's going to be slow going.' But on our next visit I was able to leash him. He went to the far end of the leash and averted his gaze, but when I stood up to go he came right to me and we went for our first walk.

I usually begin work with a very reactive dog  by making them my "third" dog (and the dog I spend the least time with, by far.) I stand outside their kennel while they do their thing - which can look and sound super aggressive - I try to remember to stand sideways and not look at them at first. I say, hello in a calm, level voice, use their name and tell them how good they are and toss a treat over the top of the door. Often they are so reactive at first there is no point in waiting for even a tiny bit of improvement. I just toss a treat into their kennel and move on. But it really doesn't take long for them to recognize me as good news on the way and their reactivity cuts way back. They begin on their own to meet me with four on the floor, and I can move from tossing the treat over the kennel door to popping it through the opening next to the kennel door - keeping my fingers safely on my side of the door. 

With some dogs, before I take them out on my own, I meet them with a staff member in the exercise yard as an intro. I always defer to staff and let them know how things are going by sending them email updates with training details. Often, these updates are passed on to the new owner. 

When I'm able to take a dog from its kennel, I triage based on the behavior I see. Reducing jumping is often a goal, grabbing treats, and basic cues are runners up. But I also work with dogs who present as aloof or not interested in play. Aloofness and no way to easily warm up to a dog in the meet and greet room isn't going to impress anyone. Honestly, anything is possible - it is tremendous fun to teach a dog who shows no interest in chasing balls to get into it whole-heartedly.

I generally end each visit to the shelter by going up and down the kennel hallway, stopping in front of each kennel to say hello and tossing a small treat to each dog, looking for the best behavior they're able to offer. It ups my reputation with all the dogs : ) and I also believe they are less likely to get agitated when they see me taking other dogs out because they know the sequence of events I set off when I arrive ends with them getting a treat. I love walking down a silent kennel giving out those treats. (Doesn't happen often because of other things going on or new dogs who don't know me, but when it does it is pretty golden). That trip also helps me get to know the dogs, which will be helpful when one or more of them gets a turn on my list. 

I really appreciate all I'm learning through this site and hope this info is helpful!

I think two elements are crucial to the success I have: my willingness to develop a close bond with a dog I'm hoping to 'lose' through adoption, and the shelter personnel's advocacy for their dogs. One person in the staff/admin/volunteer universe who is enthusiastic about a dog can make all the difference in others' attitudes. 

"One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. …"

Yes. So behavior problems within shelters are because of the same reasons.  Do you agree their needs are not being met within the shelter structure?

"…So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia?"

By having shelters be the epitome of dog care, where people can observe, learn about, interact with safely and help teach dogs necessary life skills through daily interactions, which they currently are not. Shelter environments are not, from what I see and No one has shown me differently, built for dogs. In fact, I need someone to explain to me how meeting the needs of dogs falls outside of the facility in which they're kept.

If you are interacting with a dog, even just holding the leash, you are "training" because the dog is actively learning.  

Please share what a typical dog day is for those in your care.

What "behavior" problems need specialized outsourced instruction? Dog only?

What behaviors are you routinely looking to have trained? 

What does a day for shelter staff look like?

What do employees need that they don't have? 

------------------------------
Diane Cuff
Owner/operator
Waggin'Tails Boarding Kennels

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2023 02:11 PM
From: Maggie Thomas
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

Honest question:   for those of us in areas where dogs are dying in droves, and there aren't enough rescue spots for all of them, what's the logic behind fundraising $1500 for "behavior turnaround" that may or may not result in a dog that has to be "managed" for life due to fearful genetics causing fear-biting, when another dog with no temperament issues desperately needs that spot?  

I could fundraise $1500 on orthopedics to fix a hit-by-car dog with GREAT temperament who will be a fantastic adoption ambassador and family pet.   The risk seems a lot lower with the dog with the great temperament.  To me, that $1500 would be better spent on the dog with the great temperament.  

I say this as someone who HAS spent that $1500 and more on a variety of the best trainers, consulted with a board-certified vet behavorist at a vet school, and gave the dog over a year of rehab....only to have a dog that the vet behaviorist said was unadoptable and would never be safe in the community. 

(Also:  our insurer now has pretty strict standards on intake.  I think small rescue orgs that are working with turn-around fear-biters might perhaps want to have their director check on their insurance with respect to dogs like that.)

------------------------------
Maggie Thomas
President
Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2023 12:08 PM
From: Sara Ondrako
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

#AccesstoCare
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms

------------------------------
Sara Ondrako
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Whole Dog Behavior and Wellness
------------------------------

i thought i replied about muzzles but am not seeing my post.

so here it is:

one of our respected trainers just sent me this: 

Hello all,

Mary Lou, I also took a peek at your organization. I really appreciate the resources you offer.

I read the bit about muzzle training and can see the benefit. I know our clinic uses soft muzzles for procedures that will trigger reactions; I think basket muzzles have potential to  work for introducing and staff and/or our experienced volunteers to those dogs whose early behavior has scared people off from wanting to work with them barrier-free. I'd use the 'slow intro with goodies' method  to ensure the muzzle training went well.

Any advice abut brands? what to look for in a basket muzzle?

Mary Lou,

I took a peek at your organization and I completely fell in love with your philosophy and mission. What a wonderful group of animal advocates. I know the philosophy we share might not be the most popular (even here is the West Coast) but it is my beacon and guiding light. Thank you again for rescuing the "unadoptables." Let's Be Kind!

Eudora,  what a great procedure you have developed that helps allow the dogs a bit of time to settle as best as they can in the shelter. You must have great staff and a good organization that recognizes this need v. simply labeling these dog unadoptable.  Does the org now make this part of volunteer training so that more volunteers continue what you do?

Eudora,

You are an amazing volunteer. Thank you for giving the dogs agency. We often don't realize how much these dogs lose when they end up in a shelter. They no longer have a routine, people they know, familiar smells and sounds, feeling safe, and social interactions with their people or with other house pets. A rug has been pulled under them. Instead, they are bombarded with smells they don't know, stressful barking noises from other dogs, and strange people. This is what trauma looks like. While many of these new occurrences can't be changed, building a relationship gives these dogs something to look forward to. Your quiet sitting with them is a gift. These dogs are very lucky to have you as their advocate. I thank you for being compassionate. We need more volunteers like you. 

I completely agree that interaction equals training.

Diane, you ask about out-sourced training, but I'll contribute ideas about what training can be in-sourced. I'm not a credentialed trainer, I'm a volunteer who had lots of family pets and a few obedience and agility courses under my belt when I began volunteering. Before I started, I thought I was going to be "walking" the dogs (ha!), but actually, from the first day 2.5 years ago, I realized I was going to be training them, and I decided to gear that training to helping them become more adoptable. That goal incorporates, of course, the goal of helping them be less stressed in a less-than-ideal situation.

Now I've had a lot of shelter experience and many, many hours of watching videos and reading articles and books while I searched for effective approaches to whatever behaviors I was faced with at the shelter. Besides looking for answers via research, here's my approach, which has proved effective for me and possibly helpful for others.

Some volunteers try to take out as many dogs as possible during their visit -  I focus on 2-3 dogs over time and work actively to develop a close bond with them. My process begins with selecting which dogs I work with. Early on, once they saw my success with a super smart but very naughty young dog, who was adopted a few weeks after I began working with her, the shelter staff pointed out a deaf cattle dog as one I might want for my next "project dog." That dog became my primary dog and I selected another dog and those two became my primary and secondary dogs. If I only had time for one dog in a visit, I always chose the primary dog. While I was working with those two dogs, I kept my eye out for the next candidate for when a slot opened up through adoption.(This system, with its built in decision process really helped me focus and not fall into feeling badly about the dogs I didn't have time to take out.)

I found I did well with dogs that were very fearful and expressed that by extreme avoidance (crouching, trembling, barking) or by extreme reactivity (lunging at the kennel door, screaming "get out of here").  

For the very fearful dogs who practice avoidance, I generally start by just sitting in their kennel talking to them softly, not looking at them for the 20 minutes I allot to each dog. The first such dog I worked with taught me a ton - I decided after a few minutes of him watching me from the door to his outdoor run, that just sitting there wasn't going to work and left the kennel.  But the next day I decided I'd just wait him out. I sat for 20 minutes and we made a tiny bit of progress. I was thinking, 'okay, it's going to be slow going.' But on our next visit I was able to leash him. He went to the far end of the leash and averted his gaze, but when I stood up to go he came right to me and we went for our first walk.

I usually begin work with a very reactive dog  by making them my "third" dog (and the dog I spend the least time with, by far.) I stand outside their kennel while they do their thing - which can look and sound super aggressive - I try to remember to stand sideways and not look at them at first. I say, hello in a calm, level voice, use their name and tell them how good they are and toss a treat over the top of the door. Often they are so reactive at first there is no point in waiting for even a tiny bit of improvement. I just toss a treat into their kennel and move on. But it really doesn't take long for them to recognize me as good news on the way and their reactivity cuts way back. They begin on their own to meet me with four on the floor, and I can move from tossing the treat over the kennel door to popping it through the opening next to the kennel door - keeping my fingers safely on my side of the door. 

With some dogs, before I take them out on my own, I meet them with a staff member in the exercise yard as an intro. I always defer to staff and let them know how things are going by sending them email updates with training details. Often, these updates are passed on to the new owner. 

When I'm able to take a dog from its kennel, I triage based on the behavior I see. Reducing jumping is often a goal, grabbing treats, and basic cues are runners up. But I also work with dogs who present as aloof or not interested in play. Aloofness and no way to easily warm up to a dog in the meet and greet room isn't going to impress anyone. Honestly, anything is possible - it is tremendous fun to teach a dog who shows no interest in chasing balls to get into it whole-heartedly.

I generally end each visit to the shelter by going up and down the kennel hallway, stopping in front of each kennel to say hello and tossing a small treat to each dog, looking for the best behavior they're able to offer. It ups my reputation with all the dogs : ) and I also believe they are less likely to get agitated when they see me taking other dogs out because they know the sequence of events I set off when I arrive ends with them getting a treat. I love walking down a silent kennel giving out those treats. (Doesn't happen often because of other things going on or new dogs who don't know me, but when it does it is pretty golden). That trip also helps me get to know the dogs, which will be helpful when one or more of them gets a turn on my list. 

I really appreciate all I'm learning through this site and hope this info is helpful!

I think two elements are crucial to the success I have: my willingness to develop a close bond with a dog I'm hoping to 'lose' through adoption, and the shelter personnel's advocacy for their dogs. One person in the staff/admin/volunteer universe who is enthusiastic about a dog can make all the difference in others' attitudes. 

"One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. …"

Yes. So behavior problems within shelters are because of the same reasons.  Do you agree their needs are not being met within the shelter structure?

"…So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia?"

By having shelters be the epitome of dog care, where people can observe, learn about, interact with safely and help teach dogs necessary life skills through daily interactions, which they currently are not. Shelter environments are not, from what I see and No one has shown me differently, built for dogs. In fact, I need someone to explain to me how meeting the needs of dogs falls outside of the facility in which they're kept.

If you are interacting with a dog, even just holding the leash, you are "training" because the dog is actively learning.  

Please share what a typical dog day is for those in your care.

What "behavior" problems need specialized outsourced instruction? Dog only?

What behaviors are you routinely looking to have trained? 

What does a day for shelter staff look like?

What do employees need that they don't have? 

------------------------------
Diane Cuff
Owner/operator
Waggin'Tails Boarding Kennels

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2023 02:11 PM
From: Maggie Thomas
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

Honest question:   for those of us in areas where dogs are dying in droves, and there aren't enough rescue spots for all of them, what's the logic behind fundraising $1500 for "behavior turnaround" that may or may not result in a dog that has to be "managed" for life due to fearful genetics causing fear-biting, when another dog with no temperament issues desperately needs that spot?  

I could fundraise $1500 on orthopedics to fix a hit-by-car dog with GREAT temperament who will be a fantastic adoption ambassador and family pet.   The risk seems a lot lower with the dog with the great temperament.  To me, that $1500 would be better spent on the dog with the great temperament.  

I say this as someone who HAS spent that $1500 and more on a variety of the best trainers, consulted with a board-certified vet behavorist at a vet school, and gave the dog over a year of rehab....only to have a dog that the vet behaviorist said was unadoptable and would never be safe in the community. 

(Also:  our insurer now has pretty strict standards on intake.  I think small rescue orgs that are working with turn-around fear-biters might perhaps want to have their director check on their insurance with respect to dogs like that.)

------------------------------
Maggie Thomas
President
Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2023 12:08 PM
From: Sara Ondrako
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

#AccesstoCare
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms

------------------------------
Sara Ondrako
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Whole Dog Behavior and Wellness
------------------------------

Eudora,

You are an amazing volunteer. Thank you for giving the dogs agency. We often don't realize how much these dogs lose when they end up in a shelter. They no longer have a routine, people they know, familiar smells and sounds, feeling safe, and social interactions with their people or with other house pets. A rug has been pulled under them. Instead, they are bombarded with smells they don't know, stressful barking noises from other dogs, and strange people. This is what trauma looks like. While many of these new occurrences can't be changed, building a relationship gives these dogs something to look forward to. Your quiet sitting with them is a gift. These dogs are very lucky to have you as their advocate. I thank you for being compassionate. We need more volunteers like you. 

I completely agree that interaction equals training.

Diane, you ask about out-sourced training, but I'll contribute ideas about what training can be in-sourced. I'm not a credentialed trainer, I'm a volunteer who had lots of family pets and a few obedience and agility courses under my belt when I began volunteering. Before I started, I thought I was going to be "walking" the dogs (ha!), but actually, from the first day 2.5 years ago, I realized I was going to be training them, and I decided to gear that training to helping them become more adoptable. That goal incorporates, of course, the goal of helping them be less stressed in a less-than-ideal situation.

Now I've had a lot of shelter experience and many, many hours of watching videos and reading articles and books while I searched for effective approaches to whatever behaviors I was faced with at the shelter. Besides looking for answers via research, here's my approach, which has proved effective for me and possibly helpful for others.

Some volunteers try to take out as many dogs as possible during their visit -  I focus on 2-3 dogs over time and work actively to develop a close bond with them. My process begins with selecting which dogs I work with. Early on, once they saw my success with a super smart but very naughty young dog, who was adopted a few weeks after I began working with her, the shelter staff pointed out a deaf cattle dog as one I might want for my next "project dog." That dog became my primary dog and I selected another dog and those two became my primary and secondary dogs. If I only had time for one dog in a visit, I always chose the primary dog. While I was working with those two dogs, I kept my eye out for the next candidate for when a slot opened up through adoption.(This system, with its built in decision process really helped me focus and not fall into feeling badly about the dogs I didn't have time to take out.)

I found I did well with dogs that were very fearful and expressed that by extreme avoidance (crouching, trembling, barking) or by extreme reactivity (lunging at the kennel door, screaming "get out of here").  

For the very fearful dogs who practice avoidance, I generally start by just sitting in their kennel talking to them softly, not looking at them for the 20 minutes I allot to each dog. The first such dog I worked with taught me a ton - I decided after a few minutes of him watching me from the door to his outdoor run, that just sitting there wasn't going to work and left the kennel.  But the next day I decided I'd just wait him out. I sat for 20 minutes and we made a tiny bit of progress. I was thinking, 'okay, it's going to be slow going.' But on our next visit I was able to leash him. He went to the far end of the leash and averted his gaze, but when I stood up to go he came right to me and we went for our first walk.

I usually begin work with a very reactive dog  by making them my "third" dog (and the dog I spend the least time with, by far.) I stand outside their kennel while they do their thing - which can look and sound super aggressive - I try to remember to stand sideways and not look at them at first. I say, hello in a calm, level voice, use their name and tell them how good they are and toss a treat over the top of the door. Often they are so reactive at first there is no point in waiting for even a tiny bit of improvement. I just toss a treat into their kennel and move on. But it really doesn't take long for them to recognize me as good news on the way and their reactivity cuts way back. They begin on their own to meet me with four on the floor, and I can move from tossing the treat over the kennel door to popping it through the opening next to the kennel door - keeping my fingers safely on my side of the door. 

With some dogs, before I take them out on my own, I meet them with a staff member in the exercise yard as an intro. I always defer to staff and let them know how things are going by sending them email updates with training details. Often, these updates are passed on to the new owner. 

When I'm able to take a dog from its kennel, I triage based on the behavior I see. Reducing jumping is often a goal, grabbing treats, and basic cues are runners up. But I also work with dogs who present as aloof or not interested in play. Aloofness and no way to easily warm up to a dog in the meet and greet room isn't going to impress anyone. Honestly, anything is possible - it is tremendous fun to teach a dog who shows no interest in chasing balls to get into it whole-heartedly.

I generally end each visit to the shelter by going up and down the kennel hallway, stopping in front of each kennel to say hello and tossing a small treat to each dog, looking for the best behavior they're able to offer. It ups my reputation with all the dogs : ) and I also believe they are less likely to get agitated when they see me taking other dogs out because they know the sequence of events I set off when I arrive ends with them getting a treat. I love walking down a silent kennel giving out those treats. (Doesn't happen often because of other things going on or new dogs who don't know me, but when it does it is pretty golden). That trip also helps me get to know the dogs, which will be helpful when one or more of them gets a turn on my list. 

I really appreciate all I'm learning through this site and hope this info is helpful!

I think two elements are crucial to the success I have: my willingness to develop a close bond with a dog I'm hoping to 'lose' through adoption, and the shelter personnel's advocacy for their dogs. One person in the staff/admin/volunteer universe who is enthusiastic about a dog can make all the difference in others' attitudes. 

"One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. …"

Yes. So behavior problems within shelters are because of the same reasons.  Do you agree their needs are not being met within the shelter structure?

"…So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia?"

By having shelters be the epitome of dog care, where people can observe, learn about, interact with safely and help teach dogs necessary life skills through daily interactions, which they currently are not. Shelter environments are not, from what I see and No one has shown me differently, built for dogs. In fact, I need someone to explain to me how meeting the needs of dogs falls outside of the facility in which they're kept.

If you are interacting with a dog, even just holding the leash, you are "training" because the dog is actively learning.  

Please share what a typical dog day is for those in your care.

What "behavior" problems need specialized outsourced instruction? Dog only?

What behaviors are you routinely looking to have trained? 

What does a day for shelter staff look like?

What do employees need that they don't have? 

------------------------------
Diane Cuff
Owner/operator
Waggin'Tails Boarding Kennels

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2023 02:11 PM
From: Maggie Thomas
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

Honest question:   for those of us in areas where dogs are dying in droves, and there aren't enough rescue spots for all of them, what's the logic behind fundraising $1500 for "behavior turnaround" that may or may not result in a dog that has to be "managed" for life due to fearful genetics causing fear-biting, when another dog with no temperament issues desperately needs that spot?  

I could fundraise $1500 on orthopedics to fix a hit-by-car dog with GREAT temperament who will be a fantastic adoption ambassador and family pet.   The risk seems a lot lower with the dog with the great temperament.  To me, that $1500 would be better spent on the dog with the great temperament.  

I say this as someone who HAS spent that $1500 and more on a variety of the best trainers, consulted with a board-certified vet behavorist at a vet school, and gave the dog over a year of rehab....only to have a dog that the vet behaviorist said was unadoptable and would never be safe in the community. 

(Also:  our insurer now has pretty strict standards on intake.  I think small rescue orgs that are working with turn-around fear-biters might perhaps want to have their director check on their insurance with respect to dogs like that.)

------------------------------
Maggie Thomas
President
Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue

Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2023 12:08 PM
From: Sara Ondrako
Subject: How Can We Provide More Community Behavior and Training Services to Reduce Intakes and Returns?

One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. While this remains one of the highest reasons for surrendering, in the recent study published through Shelter Animals Count (2022) of services provided to the community by shelters and rescues to promote in-home retention of pets, behavior services were by far the least reported and equated to only 2.22% of community services offered. As a certified behavior professional, I've also been alarmed at some of the advice being handed out by rescue groups and volunteers for behavior modification and rehabilitation. not relying on a certified professional hurts retention rates as serious behavior problems inappropriately addressed or handled by outdated training methodologies increase the severity of the behavior problem over time. I do find that more and more rescues are beginning to budget for and hire behavior professionals but slowly goes the way of the buffalo as they say. 

So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia? What resources have you discovered in your community to help? Do you have a behavior and training outreach program for the community and if so - can you share what works for you and what doesn't? Have you received a grant to help with behavior and training you found particularly helpful? How do you keep up with the most current practices in behavior and training with your fosters, volunteers, staff members, and adopters? How can those of us in the behavior profession help you the most? 

#AccesstoCare
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms

------------------------------
Sara Ondrako
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Whole Dog Behavior and Wellness
------------------------------

Hi all,

Eudora,

You are an amazing volunteer. Thank you for giving the dogs agency. We often don't realize how much these dogs lose when they end up in a shelter. They no longer have a routine, people they know, familiar smells and sounds, feeling safe, and social interactions with their people or with other house pets. A rug has been pulled under them. Instead, they are bombarded with smells they don't know, stressful barking noises from other dogs, and strange people. This is what trauma looks like. While many of these new occurrences can't be changed, building a relationship gives these dogs something to look forward to. Your quiet sitting with them is a gift. These dogs are very lucky to have you as their advocate. I thank you for being compassionate. We need more volunteers like you. 

I completely agree that interaction equals training.

Diane, you ask about out-sourced training, but I'll contribute ideas about what training can be in-sourced. I'm not a credentialed trainer, I'm a volunteer who had lots of family pets and a few obedience and agility courses under my belt when I began volunteering. Before I started, I thought I was going to be "walking" the dogs (ha!), but actually, from the first day 2.5 years ago, I realized I was going to be training them, and I decided to gear that training to helping them become more adoptable. That goal incorporates, of course, the goal of helping them be less stressed in a less-than-ideal situation.

Now I've had a lot of shelter experience and many, many hours of watching videos and reading articles and books while I searched for effective approaches to whatever behaviors I was faced with at the shelter. Besides looking for answers via research, here's my approach, which has proved effective for me and possibly helpful for others.

Some volunteers try to take out as many dogs as possible during their visit -  I focus on 2-3 dogs over time and work actively to develop a close bond with them. My process begins with selecting which dogs I work with. Early on, once they saw my success with a super smart but very naughty young dog, who was adopted a few weeks after I began working with her, the shelter staff pointed out a deaf cattle dog as one I might want for my next "project dog." That dog became my primary dog and I selected another dog and those two became my primary and secondary dogs. If I only had time for one dog in a visit, I always chose the primary dog. While I was working with those two dogs, I kept my eye out for the next candidate for when a slot opened up through adoption.(This system, with its built in decision process really helped me focus and not fall into feeling badly about the dogs I didn't have time to take out.)

I found I did well with dogs that were very fearful and expressed that by extreme avoidance (crouching, trembling, barking) or by extreme reactivity (lunging at the kennel door, screaming "get out of here").  

For the very fearful dogs who practice avoidance, I generally start by just sitting in their kennel talking to them softly, not looking at them for the 20 minutes I allot to each dog. The first such dog I worked with taught me a ton - I decided after a few minutes of him watching me from the door to his outdoor run, that just sitting there wasn't going to work and left the kennel.  But the next day I decided I'd just wait him out. I sat for 20 minutes and we made a tiny bit of progress. I was thinking, 'okay, it's going to be slow going.' But on our next visit I was able to leash him. He went to the far end of the leash and averted his gaze, but when I stood up to go he came right to me and we went for our first walk.

I usually begin work with a very reactive dog  by making them my "third" dog (and the dog I spend the least time with, by far.) I stand outside their kennel while they do their thing - which can look and sound super aggressive - I try to remember to stand sideways and not look at them at first. I say, hello in a calm, level voice, use their name and tell them how good they are and toss a treat over the top of the door. Often they are so reactive at first there is no point in waiting for even a tiny bit of improvement. I just toss a treat into their kennel and move on. But it really doesn't take long for them to recognize me as good news on the way and their reactivity cuts way back. They begin on their own to meet me with four on the floor, and I can move from tossing the treat over the kennel door to popping it through the opening next to the kennel door - keeping my fingers safely on my side of the door. 

With some dogs, before I take them out on my own, I meet them with a staff member in the exercise yard as an intro. I always defer to staff and let them know how things are going by sending them email updates with training details. Often, these updates are passed on to the new owner. 

When I'm able to take a dog from its kennel, I triage based on the behavior I see. Reducing jumping is often a goal, grabbing treats, and basic cues are runners up. But I also work with dogs who present as aloof or not interested in play. Aloofness and no way to easily warm up to a dog in the meet and greet room isn't going to impress anyone. Honestly, anything is possible - it is tremendous fun to teach a dog who shows no interest in chasing balls to get into it whole-heartedly.

I generally end each visit to the shelter by going up and down the kennel hallway, stopping in front of each kennel to say hello and tossing a small treat to each dog, looking for the best behavior they're able to offer. It ups my reputation with all the dogs : ) and I also believe they are less likely to get agitated when they see me taking other dogs out because they know the sequence of events I set off when I arrive ends with them getting a treat. I love walking down a silent kennel giving out those treats. (Doesn't happen often because of other things going on or new dogs who don't know me, but when it does it is pretty golden). That trip also helps me get to know the dogs, which will be helpful when one or more of them gets a turn on my list. 

I really appreciate all I'm learning through this site and hope this info is helpful!

I think two elements are crucial to the success I have: my willingness to develop a close bond with a dog I'm hoping to 'lose' through adoption, and the shelter personnel's advocacy for their dogs. One person in the staff/admin/volunteer universe who is enthusiastic about a dog can make all the difference in others' attitudes. 

"One of the main reasons people relinquish ownership of their pets or seek euthanasia (of physically sound animals) is due to behavior concerns. Behavior concerns are the result of a need not being met in an animal. …"

Yes. So behavior problems within shelters are because of the same reasons.  Do you agree their needs are not being met within the shelter structure?

"…So - all that to ask the hive mind of the Animal Welfare Professionals - how can we collectively provide more community behavior and training services to the general public, to foster homes, and to adopters to better tackle one of the primary reasons for surrender and often euthanasia?"

By having shelters be the epitome of dog care, where people can observe, learn about, interact with safely and help teach dogs necessary life skills through daily interactions, which they currently are not. Shelter environments are not, from what I see and No one has shown me differently, built for dogs. In fact, I need someone to explain to me how meeting the needs of dogs falls outside of the facility in which they're kept.

If you are interacting with a dog, even just holding the leash, you are "training" because the dog is actively learning.  

Please share what a typical dog day is for those in your care.

What "behavior" problems need specialized outsourced instruction? Dog only?

What behaviors are you routinely looking to have trained? 

What does a day for shelter staff look like?