DELAWARE, Ohio -- A few new tricks could be a dog's ticket out of the kennels at the Humane Society of Delaware County.
Many of the dogs surrendered by their owners come with behavioral problems, whether it's barking too loud, jumping too high or chewing too much.
Training pets how to mind their manners improves their chances of being adopted, and that's the philosophy behind a new volunteer-driven program at the shelter.
Dog Behavior Task Force volunteers work one-on-one with animals each week, using praise and treats to teach them basic obedience commands such as sit, quiet and stay.
"Our goal is a zero return rate," said Wade Beane, shelter director. "That every dog that gets adopted out stays in that home."
Unwanted behaviors are one of the biggest reasons pets end up in shelters, according to the American Animal Hospital Association.
"That's definitely the case a lot of times, where they get a dog or a cat and don't know how to adapt them to a house," said Jason Merrihew, spokesman for the Colorado-based association.
The Delaware County shelter houses 22 dogs of all sizes, from Tinsel the Chihuahua to Star the Saint Bernard. During the past few months of training, veterinary technician Angie Bockover said she has noticed the dogs acting calmer while in their kennels and barking less.
One of Bockover's goals in starting the program was to calm the atmosphere on the adoption floor. "It's just so stressful here, being in a cage and being around all the other animals," Bockover said.
The dogs compete for attention from visitors, often jumping and barking, which can make it difficult for prospective owners to envision the pets behaving differently at home, Bockover said.
Volunteers focus on encouraging animals' good behavior and ignoring the bad.
Such training also helps shelter employees and volunteers get to know the dogs in their care a little better. It uncovers any unwanted habits before they are placed in a new home, said Lisa Wahoff, director of the Franklin County Dog Shelter, which runs a similar volunteer program for its 320 dogs.
"It's helping them help the dogs be more adoptable," Wahoff said. "People are always afraid to adopt what they don't know."
The Humane Society of Delaware County is seeking volunteers for all programs, including the Dog Behavior Task Force. An orientation meeting is scheduled for today at 10 a.m. For more information, call 740-369-7387 or visit http://www.delawarecohumanesoc.org/.
Many of the dogs surrendered by their owners come with behavioral problems, whether it's barking too loud, jumping too high or chewing too much.
Training pets how to mind their manners improves their chances of being adopted, and that's the philosophy behind a new volunteer-driven program at the shelter.
Dog Behavior Task Force volunteers work one-on-one with animals each week, using praise and treats to teach them basic obedience commands such as sit, quiet and stay.
"Our goal is a zero return rate," said Wade Beane, shelter director. "That every dog that gets adopted out stays in that home."
Unwanted behaviors are one of the biggest reasons pets end up in shelters, according to the American Animal Hospital Association.
"That's definitely the case a lot of times, where they get a dog or a cat and don't know how to adapt them to a house," said Jason Merrihew, spokesman for the Colorado-based association.
The Delaware County shelter houses 22 dogs of all sizes, from Tinsel the Chihuahua to Star the Saint Bernard. During the past few months of training, veterinary technician Angie Bockover said she has noticed the dogs acting calmer while in their kennels and barking less.
One of Bockover's goals in starting the program was to calm the atmosphere on the adoption floor. "It's just so stressful here, being in a cage and being around all the other animals," Bockover said.
The dogs compete for attention from visitors, often jumping and barking, which can make it difficult for prospective owners to envision the pets behaving differently at home, Bockover said.
Volunteers focus on encouraging animals' good behavior and ignoring the bad.
Such training also helps shelter employees and volunteers get to know the dogs in their care a little better. It uncovers any unwanted habits before they are placed in a new home, said Lisa Wahoff, director of the Franklin County Dog Shelter, which runs a similar volunteer program for its 320 dogs.
"It's helping them help the dogs be more adoptable," Wahoff said. "People are always afraid to adopt what they don't know."
The Humane Society of Delaware County is seeking volunteers for all programs, including the Dog Behavior Task Force. An orientation meeting is scheduled for today at 10 a.m. For more information, call 740-369-7387 or visit http://www.delawarecohumanesoc.org/.
