building confidence with training
Dogs that have learned how to “make people click” usually become calmer and more confident and, thus, more adoptable. Even two or three extra minutes spent clicking and treating an individual animal can be time well spent. Watch this video, courtesy of Steve Benjamin, as a shy dog blossoms through clicker training. The staff begins by working with the dog in the kennel, clicking/treating for approaching the front of the kennel. Once the dog begins to build confidence and trust inside the kennel, the training session is moved outside of the kennel. Despite being surrounded by barking dogs and loud noises, this once shy, cowering dog is now interacting with shelter staff with confidence and enthusiasm!
For more information about how to enrich the lives of animals in your care and help them get adopted faster, check out KPA’s Shelter Training & Enrichment course!