Second Chance: Training Center Opens

22 Jul Second Chance: Training Center Opens

I am very excited to announce the launch of the Second Chance Training Resource Center, open to all community members in our tri-county service area. Based on the overwhelming response and success of our “pilot” dog behavior training class this month, beginning in August, trainer Casey McKay will provide individual and group obedience training and behavior modification to the community every Wednesday (expanding into Saturdays based upon demand).

Max

As most Pet Column readers know, Second Chance is more than just an animal shelter for homeless pets: we believe strongly in programming to prevent pets from being homeless in the first place. Based on positive reinforcement techniques, this new Community Service Program will help further the mission of Second Chance by strengthening the human-animal bond, as well as decreasing the number of community pets ending up in shelters due to behavioral issues.

The training will focus on those skills that help animals stay safe including basic obedience like waiting at doors until released and commands like “leave it”and “drop it.” Instilling good manners is vital to a healthy human-animal bond and statistics have shown that owners with behaviorally sound pets are more satisfied and possess a stronger bond with those animals.

Classes will also emphasize socialization, because learning good doggie manners is just as essential for a well-rounded and healthy animal. While your four-legged friend is socializing, it’s great to be able to consult with other dog owners and trainers to troubleshoot and share helpful tips about pet ownership.

My name is Max and I have benefited from the great training available to all shelter dogs here at Second Chance. And now you can get a free session if you adopt a dog like me. Additionally, beyond basic obedience the Second Chance Training Resource Center has plans for future programs such as puppy socialization, advanced obedience, beginning agility, Good Citizenship test preparation, and Therapy Dog Certification preparation.

My good friend Rock Hudson, a beautiful tuxedo cat, is just as excited about the new Resource Center and would like to remind everyone that cats can learn and be motivated in many of the same ways as dogs and the staff plans to offer opportunities for cat parents as well.

Rock Hudson

If you are ready to get started before August, there are still a few spots open for the next basic obedience class scheduled to start July 22. This 6 p.m. class is informative, fun, effective, and all for a small donation of $50-75!.

Call us to learn more or to register: 970-626-2273.

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff &  Magnificent Mae

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)