Why the SHS Offers Behavior Services
 Many people who surrender pets to our shelter blame "problem" behaviors. Too often these behaviors could have been easily corrected or prevented with training.
The SHS is proud to offer an affordable way for pet owners to address unwanted behaviors so that they can keep their pets at home where they belong.
According to research
- Work by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP) has identified behavior issues as a leading cause of euthanasia in cats and dogs.
- The NCPPSP found behavior issues represented major reasons for relinquishment of dogs and cats to shelters, especially for pets over four months of age.
- Dogs of owners who reported receiving helpful behavioral advice were at a 94% lower risk for relinquishment.
- Shelter run obedience classes have been shown to be very effective in keeping pets in homes. One study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association showed that classes offered by humane societies were more effective than outside options, perhaps because shelters are uniquely qualified to provide insight into the consequences of "failed relationships."
Public services and in-shelter programs
The Animal Behavior and Training Department at the SHS focuses its efforts in two main areas:
- Public behavior services including a variety of group training classes for dogs and their owners, as well as private consultations for animals with behavior problems that are better addressed one-on-one
- In-shelter programs including enrichment for animals staying with us and a shelter dog training program
If you would like to volunteer your time and talent to help us with these efforts, please read about becoming an SHS volunteer. |
