The San Diego Humane Society received a $100,000 grant from the PEDIGREE Foundation to support its Welcome Committee program, officials announced Tuesday.
The program is intended to “reduce the adjustment period for dogs entering the shelter, build relationships with people, and decrease fear, anxiety, stress and frustration.” It is focused on incoming dogs who display fear- or stress-based behaviors during their first 24-48 hours in care.
The grant will be distributed over two years.
“We are sympathetic to the stress an animal is experiencing when arriving at a shelter,” SDHS Vice President of Behavior Programs Amanda Kowalski said. “If we can be extra sensitive to their feelings from the get-go and respond in ways that teach them skills to cope with fear, anxiety and stress, we will also help them feel comfortable much faster and promote resilience.
“Our positive approach often results in the dog finding a family much faster,” she said.
Some Welcome Committee tactics include rewarding dogs for calm and quiet behavior, “drive-by treat tosses” to let dogs feel comfortable with people approaching their kennels, no-pressure interactions and fear-free leashing.
In 2013, the SDHS opened its Behavior Center, which has “given more than 4,000 animals with complex challenges a second chance in finding a home,” a statement from the organization said.
In addition to providing lifesaving training for shelter pets with behavioral challenges, SDHS offers more than 40 training classes, a Behavior Helpline and an online resource center with articles and videos.
More information on SDHS’ training program can be found at www.sdhumane.org/behavior-and-training/.
–City News Service
