Animal Welfare Professionals

I am brand new here but have a question.  I volunteer for both a shelter and a trainer.  I have been able to use the skills the trainer has taught me to help dogs at the shelter.  Recently I was told that if ALL volunteers do not use the same training, commands, and tools than I should not be doing it.  I disagree thinking at least one day a week that dog is getting some training.  Thoughts??

#AnimalBehavior,TrainingandEnrichment

Congratulations for seeing a need. It’s sad that someone felt the need to discourage you and not encourage you. Perhaps you should approach the Vol Coord for help in putting a training program together. The dogs would benefit from the attention and learning something that could help in their potential adoption.  

#AnimalBehavior,TrainingandEnrichment

I would speak with the person responsible for training and enrichment.  Perhaps your trainer acquaintance would volunteer a session or two. 

Our Auxiliary supports an open intake County Shelter. Using positive reinforcement tools our list of commands is taught when we mentor new volunteers who work with senior  handlers for 3 sessions, more if needed. Follow ups and  spot checks ensure everyone is following those methods;  we post reminders and as needed,,hold refreshers.

#AnimalBehavior,TrainingandEnrichment

We do training at our shelter and we work hard to standardize our cues because if people teach with different commands, you do run the risk of making the cues meaningless. Here’s what we tell volunteers: even if you are not meaning to be training the dog, they are learning from you every day. You may as well teach them the right things. Good luck and don’t give up. 

#AnimalBehavior,TrainingandEnrichment

Consistency is vitally important in training. Take the example of "down". Some people use it to mean "lie down", others to mean "get off me". It can become confusing for the dogs if they aren't being given consistent verbal and visual cues. BUT that doesn't mean you shouldn't be doing it, just that you should be teaching others to do it!! Our shelter has a pretty rigid set of rules about training and interacting with the dogs and we have been able to address multiple behavior issues because of it. Our Volunteer Coordinator and our Director of Operations work closely together to ensure that the program works for both the dogs and the volunteers, and we offer training nearly every weekend.

#AnimalBehavior,TrainingandEnrichment

Hi i don't know if you are still around on here but this is a very big need! I complete disagree on not putting in some training especially when the reason they keep coming back is because no one else has even bothered. 2025 and shelters are desperately in need of more people with training experience that are willing to help out. I have an Instagram and am trying to promote more training within shelters and helping more people learn even the basics of handling. It would mean a lot if this community grew! IG: Fentleys.house and Journey.4.paws 

#animals#training#AnimalBehavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
falyn ward
Behavior and Enrichment Coordinator
Animal Protection Association of Missouri
IL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-30-2019 06:03 PM
From: LuvMyMittz _
Subject: Training in a shelter

I am brand new here but have a question.  I volunteer for both a shelter and a trainer.  I have been able to use the skills the trainer has taught me to help dogs at the shelter.  Recently I was told that if ALL volunteers do not use the same training, commands, and tools than I should not be doing it.  I disagree thinking at least one day a week that dog is getting some training.  Thoughts??

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

Hi! Training is vital to the emotional and mental well-being of animals in shelters. But consistency is key.  It is not pointless to work with the animals- from basic manners, to working with animals that have more complicated issues, even once a week. The animals are grateful for any one-on-one time. It is correct that everyone working with the animals needs to be on the page of how the training is communicated though. Otherwise, it will cause confusion for the animal and people alike. I know I have held staff meetings at the shelter I work at, so all the staff is cohesive with training, and it works! Our dogs (and cats) are emotionally and mentally flourishing. We have a small group of dedicated volunteers who I have work with, and they then teach the newbies, so now our animals are receiving the consistency they need so much. Training once a week can be enrichment for the animal, but then when the next person steps in and does it different, it really can cause the animal confusion, which could potentially lead to frustration and that is what we are trying to decrease in these animals. We make sure each animal is supplied with the training tools we have found work best for that individual animal readily available (kept in little baskets on their kennels). Definitely consider speaking with whoever manages training/education/enrichment/volunteers and see if you can assist them with putting together a fun, educational hands-on training session for volunteers and staff alike. Obviously, you are extremely dedicated and these hurdles at shelters take time to get over. But it can happen, and it makes such a difference with the people and animals

------------------------------
Lacey Grundler
Dog Trainer/Office Manager
Butler County Humane Society
PA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-30-2019 06:03 PM
From: LuvMyMittz _
Subject: Training in a shelter

I am brand new here but have a question.  I volunteer for both a shelter and a trainer.  I have been able to use the skills the trainer has taught me to help dogs at the shelter.  Recently I was told that if ALL volunteers do not use the same training, commands, and tools than I should not be doing it.  I disagree thinking at least one day a week that dog is getting some training.  Thoughts??

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment