Places you may find of interest:
Some frequently asked questions:
Q: What do the youth do with the dogs?
A: The youth first learn about basic dog language - how to better understand the body signals and stress signals the dog may display. Then the youth are taught to positively reinforce the behavior they would like the dogs to offer. The youth learn that redirecting an unwanted behavior to a desired behavior teaches the dog to offer the rewarded, desired behavior instead. Youth practice teaching the dogs basic good manners (and some cute tricks!) in each class
Q: How does this help the youth?
A: When the youth "experience" the dog learning a better behavior, our trainers are able to help them associate this with their own choices. As the youth practice setting goals and working calmly and patiently with their dogs, we help them recognize that these are skills they can use in their daily lives. Finally, learning to communicate with an animal that speaks a different language, helps the youth learn better communication skills in all areas.
Q: Do the youth work with the same dog every day?
A: Yes! Youth are assigned a dog at the beginning of the session. That dog becomes their training buddy and a bond is formed between youth and dog.
Q: What happens if the dog is adopted?
A: We celebrate! Our shelters are wonderful at helping potential adopters understand the benefit of adopting the dogs from our program and allowing the to stay until they finish their training and service to the youth
Q: How much does the program cost?
A: We don't charge the youth or shelters anything to be involved. Our programs are ran through departments of probation, high schools and private institutions. Program service fees are dependant on a variety of factors.
Q: How can I get involved?