Second Chance: Life Skills for Pets Un-Pawsed

24 Jun Second Chance: Life Skills for Pets Un-Pawsed

Second Chance Humane Society’s Animal Resource Center and Thrift Shops have been serving San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties for over 26 years. Call 970-626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about our Community Medical, Spay/Neuter, Volunteer, or other options. View shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org.

Penny

Here I sit. A homeless cat at a humane society. Leads me to pondering…what are the main causes of pet homelessness?

One thing is clear, the reasons are beyond the control of the animal in question. Causes are typically financial (loss of a job leading to reduced income and inability to feed or provide medical care) or behavioral (pet parent does not understand how to address an unwelcome behavior of their pet, gets frustrated, gets rid of pet). So by addressing these causes we eliminate pet homeless right? Great let’s do this!

I am going to talk about the behavioral issues today, but strongly urge you to check out Second Chance’s Emergency Response Programs for help with any financial barriers that may have you thinking you can’t keep your furry friend as part of your family. You can learn about these on their website or by giving Second Chance a call. (Contact info above in the intro.)

Now, to increase the bond between you and your pet, as well as eliminate behaviors you don’t find appealing, Second Chance’s training classes are gearing back up (social distance-style of course) after the COVID-pause. These low-cost classes are available to all community members in our Tri-county service area and take place at the Second Chance Shelter in Ridgway. The staff are working on bringing the classes to Western Montrose County as well.

These four-week courses focus on 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 long-term pet relationship and statistics show that pet parents with behaviorally sound pets are more satisfied and possess a stronger bond with their animals.

Classes also emphasize socialization, because learning good doggie interactions are just as essential for a well-rounded and healthy pet. And don’t worry, you don’t have to break social-distancing guidelines to work on socialization. Classes are low-cost (and even lower cost if you adopted from Second Chance!) and suitable for non-aggressive pets who are spay/neutered and vaccinated. Currently Second Chance is running a Puppy Intro class, but adult dog classes will begin shortly.

Second Chance also offers virtual private sessions by appointment to address specific behavior issues like reactivity, hiking off leash or singing off-tune (kidding on that one. Those sessions are open to cat parents as well. Yes, cats can learn and be motivated in many of the same ways as dogs and my staff is committed to working with you to eliminate unwanted behaviors well before you give up.

About Me.

My name is Penelope BonBon, but my staff just calls me Penny. I am a four- year-young female who likes to pretend I am shy, but secretly I just adore attention –  once you have proven trustworthy. They say I am a LoveBug and it is true: I just love love. Did I mention I am up for adoption?