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Dogblog note: Below is another in our periodic series from Laura Atwood, public relations coordinator at Anchorage Animal Care and Control Center.
By LAURA ATWOOD
AACCC public relations coordinator
Just over a month ago, we introduced you to Dylan, the young Labrador retriever adopted from Anchorage Animal Care and Control who entered the PAWSitive Connections program at McLauglin Youth Center. PAWSitive Connections selects residents at MYC to train adopted dogs and then adopts those dogs into permanent homes. The program provides at-risk youths with opportunities to earn school credits, develop social and vocational skills and good work habits that will help them be productive members of society. The program also helps an untrained dog learn to become a good canine citizen and a well-mannered companion for the adoptive family.
This past Tuesday, Dylan graduated from basic obedience at Alaska Dog Sports. His two teenaged trainers did an awesome job working with him and their dedication to his training showed -- Dylan was definitely the rock star of the class. Dylan stayed focused on his trainers, paid attention to their cues and worked diligently for his treats. The bond that formed between trainers and dog was apparent.
His trainers said the experience was unique and rewarding and they "felt proud of the accomplishment" despite Dylan being a challenge to train at times. One trainer commented that the training "opened her eyes to see how dogs' minds work." They both felt confident that when they have their own dogs they will take them to obedience class.
According to Tracey Barnhart of the PAWSitive Connections program, Dylan also affected the lives of residents other than his trainers. He was especially good with some of the residents who had suffered through traumas, calming and comforting them when they were upset, and offering unconditional love. Barnhart believes that Dylan could make "an awesome therapy dog."
Also in the class were two other adoptees from Anchorage Animal Care and Control: Whisper, a young husky, and Elsa, a young German shepherd. Because they learned skills that not only make them easier to live with but might just save their lives. Plus, it helped dogs and owners bond and understand each other -- which means the dogs are more likely to stay in their adoptive homes.
Dylan, Whisper and Elsa now know important skills such as "leave it" to stay away from potentially harmful situations; "wait" when the front door opens or before stepping into the street; and "come" when called
So what is next for each of these dogs? Dylan is seeking a permanent home, and we suspect he is hoping his new family will continue his training. Whisper has begun a proofing class (learning to perform basic skills with distractions) with the hope of moving on to agility so he can stretch his long legs on the course. And Elsa's parents are considering trying nose work, which teaches your dog to find hidden scents.
Anchorage Animal Care and Control encourages all new dog owners to attend an obedience class and, for high-energy dogs, to consider a dog sport such as flyball, agility or nose work. We are always pleased when a dog is adopted, but we are most pleased when they remain in that home permanently.