[Mike]

Hi Ayla,

The situation that you are in is tough. I volunteer 5 months out of the year, 6 days a week at various animal shelters. I have been training shelter dogs for about 7 years. I attended Bound Angels in 2019 and have used Robert’s training methods and principles for the entire time.

There are times when I really have to reset my expectations and restate my objectives to my self. Situations like yours can tend to be overwhelming.

I subscribe to Robert’s 80/20 percent rule for working with shelter dogs. I focus on the 80% that stand the greatest chance of being adopted with basic work.

I, realistically, schedule the time I have to work with the dogs, and stick to that. I then assess the needs of the dogs. I start with the basics and build.

You can not help them all, but you can greatly increase the likelihood of many getting adopted. I have had great success in getting dogs adopted who have been in the shelter for many years. Most just needed some basic training and engagement. (Not bolting through a doorway, sit, stand, down, etc.)

I try to ignore the politics and operations of the shelter and literally just focus on the issues with the dogs.

Thanks for being a part of the shelter dog training,

–Mike

[Mike]

Anyone have experience with working with a Bloodhound mix in a shelter? Having obsession issues with, ball, people and leash.

[Mike]

Hi Auri,

First I would direct you to Robert’s Ask Me Anything or Live Q&A as he has many years working with Goofy, his Malinois.

My experience with working past trigger items is, if we are out on a walk and the dog sees something that has triggered him in the past, and then checks in with me (which is what I want) I just say “You’re OK”. I don’t know if this is correct but after a number times past the trigger this seems to work. I don’t let them speed up or otherwise try to avoid. Depending on the situation, I may immediately turn around and go by the trigger again.

I have two dogs at the current shelter that have issues, when on a walk, with the barking shelter dogs through the fence. During our walk I make sure that I walk near the trigger. If they try to avoid by speeding up or hiding around me, I slow them down and tell them, “You’re OK”. I may even stop by the trigger and turn my dogs away from the trigger until they calm down.

I do this everyday on the walk, and I get closer each time until there is no reaction from my dogs.

[Mike]

Thanks for the input Riggan. The suggestion for “Second Chance Dogs” sounds great. I assume this would include owners that passed away and the next home that took the dog? Family members, friends, etc. Possibly bypassing the shelters?

Since shelter dogs have such specific issues, I might suggest both Groups. ‘Shelter Dogs’, and other than shelter dogs. Maybe ‘Re-Homed Dogs’.

[Mike]

Sounds good. I enjoy being a part of the shelter dog community.

The new website looks great by the way.

[Mike]

Have not come across a Malinois in a shelter yet. Most common reason for seeing a GSD in the shelter are the human died and the remaining family could not take care of a large breed dog.

I have worked directly with 2 GSD and 1 Shepherd/Husky mix. 2 had minor issues that were easily corrected. The 3rd Shepherd had major issues that the trainer on staff was addressing. She had a complete mistrust of people. (She was 5 and had been with an old lady since 4 and was never socialized with other people or dogs).