Archive for 'pet adoption'

Are You Enrolled in a Canine Life and Social Skills Program?

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 at 12:35 am  
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It looks like my pet parent is checking out the Canine Life and Social Skills Program to promote training using positive reinforcement. It has been been developed by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers to strengthen relationships between us dogs and our pet parents. I am all for that. Strong relationships are what keep us in our homes in spite of what we do…

Puppy with Pillow Stuffing

I Didn't Do It!

how we look (dirty & scraggly), or how much maintenance we require (annual vet visits).

This program is similar to the American Kennel Club’s S.T.A.R. Puppy Program

American Kennel Club Socialization Training Activity and Responsibility

Socialization-Training-Activity-Responsibility

and Canine Good Citizen Program in that life skills are taught and then tested by certified evaluators.

Recognition for a Canine Good Citizen

Are You Ready to Become a Canine Good Citizen?

 

 

 

 

 

 

The APDT C.L.A.S.S. program is based on input from both dog owners and non-dog owners, shelter workers and professional dog trainers. It is a 3-level evaluation for our pet parents to demonstrate our real-life skills and their basic knowledge of how to handle and care for us. The positive, reward-based training minimizes the chance that we will be punished and increases the chances of having fun with our pet parents.

We can earn a B.A., M.A., or Ph.D. certificate as we progress with our skills. An entire curriculum is available for use by shelters to either enhance their present programs or to create a new one. The dogs waiting for homes can be evaluated for no cost and then listed in the C.L.A.S.S. web site ins the “dogs for adoption” section…train ‘em up and match ‘em up! Fees for other dogs are only $5.00

The APDT designed C.L.A.S.S. with the needs of shelter dogs in mind. This makes the shelter dogs more adoptable.Knowing basic skills will increase the shelter pet’s chances of staying in their new home.  The marketing behind the C.L.A.S.S. program will attract people to these precious pets.

So ask yourself these questions:

  • Can you wait at the door?
  • Come when you are called?
  • Allow your leash to be attached?
  • Walk loosely on a leash and stare adoringly at  your pet parent?
  • Meet people nicely when you are out and about?
  • Leave the “untouchable” items untouched?
  • Wait for your food bowl to be placed in front of you?
  • Stay in one spot?
  • Settle down your wiggle butt?

If you can do these things, then you are ready to become a B.A. with C.L.A.S.S.

Have your pet parent study the rules and requirements in the Student Handbook. The components of Canine Life and Social Skills includes educating your pet parent in responsible dog ownership and positive reinforcement, assessing real-life skills, encouraging ongoing training, expanding the opportunities for those of us that are well-behaved and supporting shelters and rescues.

Scientific research has shown that we dogs do not behave “badly”; we just exhibit normal dog behaviors to get our needs met or to resolve conflict. We don’t feel guilty at all because we don’t know right from wrong. We just know what works and we figure out a way to get what we feel that we need.

Your pet parent will have to pass a multiple-choice test on dog information and ownership. They will learn how to relate to you by setting clear boundaries for you rather than confronting you with drama.

Positive, reward-based training works! How have your pet parents “trained” you?

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

How Well Do You Know the Animal Rescue Organization That You Support?

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011 at 12:24 pm  
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How well does your pet parent know the animal rescue organization that they support with their money…or their time? Have they met the Director of the organization(s) or do they just send in money because a celebrity supports the cause?

Pets are placed with rescue organizations for many reasons. Owners may seek them out as an alternative to shelters that are conditioned to euthanizing older or special-needs animals. They may feel that more effort will be made by the organization to place that pet with a suitable family than what they could do as an individual. Perhaps the owners are moving and cannot take the pets with them. Perhaps the owner has died and made provisions for their pets to be placed in rescue upon their death. In these cases, often times, the owners will also financially support the organization as efforts are made to place their pets.

Another scenario is when pets are rescued from an abusive situation. News reports highlight the abuse and support often flows in for veterinary care. An experienced owner is then sought to create a safe atmosphere for the recovery of this pet who may be fearful of trusting anyone again.

We have known of rescue organizations that have adopted very few pets out. Perhaps the pets are unadoptable or perhaps the director decides that no home other than hers is suitable for the pets. There is a fine line here on the intent of the organization, especially if it is a one-person setup. We heard of one lady who interviewed a stay-at-home pet owner with a fenced yard and a background of regular vet care and obedience training for his dogs who still turned him down when he wanted to adopt a pet in her care. To add insult to injury, she trounced through his immaculate home with muddy boots! Needless to say, word gets out and support went down for her “efforts.”

Oftentimes, a rescue organization starts out self-funded. We have known of boarding kennels that open up a space for healthy animals until they can find new homes. Although they may not officially become a rescue organization themselves, they will “shadow” an organization in this way.

We personally know of another boarding kennel that supports their non-profit Ark of Hope Rescue. They have taken in dogs, cats, goats, birds and abused animals over many years. Others in the community have helped them raise money to cover veterinary expenses and provided food and supplies to care for the pets. This is a family effort but volunteers have always been welcome to care for the pets and this no-cage facility.

The Director of the Ark of Hope Rescue, Diane Care, also educates the public at the local county fair, in schools and at fund-raising events. In 2010 alone, Ark of Hope rescued 275 dogs and puppies and 123 cats and kittens through their efforts. They stay in touch with the pets that have passed through their doors.

If you would like to adopt a pet through Ark of Hope Rescue, you may view their pets on Petfinder.

Watch this pet video to find out more about Ark of Hope Rescue.org:

Living in the moment
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia