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 Is that a treadmill in the dog kennels? Are we training for the humane society Olympics?
In a manner of speaking, yes! SHS dog trainer, Jennifer Kobie, is using exercise equipment to help long-term residents and hyper-active dogs run off some of their excess energy so they are better focused during their behavior modification sessions. "Physical exercise provides an outlet for the dogs to alleviate stress, which in turn decreases the dogs' arousal level and makes training or behavior modification more enjoyable and efficient," says Kobie. SHS staff stumbled on this discovery by accident when a treadmill was donated to the shelter, says SHS executive director, Cynthia Ryan. “We kind of joked about it at first, like ‘hey, wouldn’t it be great to get the dogs running on a treadmill every day.’ Then it occurred to us, why not? So we decided to give it a try.” Our biggest success story is Sassy,” says Ryan. “She’s a head strong bulldog cross who likes to be in charge and can pull her handler off their feet if they’re not paying attention.” Sassy took to the treadmill like a Labrador to water,” recalls Kobie. “We got her up there and it was like a light bulb turned on in her head and she said, ‘hey, this is cool!’ We exercise her regularly now, and both staff and volunteers have commented on how much better behaved she is.” “Since Kobie only works with the dogs three days a week she’s training staff and volunteers to teach the dogs how to use the treadmill. “Unfortunately, we only have limited funds for our dog training program,” says Ryan. “Our trainers have been very successful in rehabilitating dogs with behavior problems, but unless we receive additional funding we may have to discontinue the program.” If you’d like to help dogs like Sassy become “Canine Good Citizens”, please consider making a donation to the SHS Shelter Dog Behavior Modification Program. For more information contact us at humane@sequoiahumane.org, or simply write “dog training” in the memo field on your donation check or receipt. Revised to more accurately reflect the effect of endorphins on dogs. Note: chronically stressed dogs experience higher than normal endorphin levels. This does not mimic an endorphin rush. humane@sequoiahumane.org |
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Sequoia Humane Society
