G U E S T C O L U M N I S T | M E R E D I T H D E M P S E Y
IMPROVING THE LIVES OF SHELTER PETS,
ONE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM AT A TIME
FILLING IN THE GAP
By Meredith Dempsey CPDT-KA
Photo courtesy of Shelby Humane
As both a trainer and shelter worker, I
am passionate about the welfare of shelter
environment doesn’t allow dogs to express
normal behaviors. The inability to express
these behaviors is frustrating, so as dogs grow
more desperate in their desire to interact with
their environment, their expressive behaviors
become more exaggerated and they become
what’s called “kennel crazy.”
Because of the demand to meet dogs’
physical needs, shelters often neglect
addressing dogs’ emotional and mental
needs. However, when a shelter dog’s
likelihood of euthanasia due to poor
behavior, it makes sense to be more
dollars shelters invest in behavioral health.
Kennel craziness can happen quickly. Once
present, it is hard to reverse. Shelters need
to be proactive, not reactive, by providing
dogs with regular enrichment opportunities.
programs to shelter dogs that alleviate
kennel stress. The programs are led by me,
along with Anthony Rodriguez of Love Them
Train Them, LLC.
obedience class that teaches dogs that sitting
or lying down gets them the attention they
crave. These behaviors translate beautifully
to the kennel, where former “kennel crazy”
something they want instead of jumping,
The second program is a Nose Work class
containers. This program caters to shy dogs
that need help decompressing. Both classes
are taught using positive reinforcement
training methods.
If you are interested in helping to enrich
the lives of dogs at Shelby Humane, email
meredith@lovethemtrainthem.com.
Pet training with passion. lovethemtrainthem.com
Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com 9
/lovethemtrainthem.com
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