Good Dog Academy | Basic Agility | Head Start Program
Behavioral Services Overview
In an effort to uphold and promote the mission of the DRHS, we believe that a proper relationship between each pet and its owner is one of the most important aspects of pet ownership. In this regard, opening a line of communication between a dog and its handler by emphasizing the impact of positive interaction is crucial. To meet this goal, the DRHS provides a range of services that cover a variety of training and consultation needs. Services currently offered include tips for selecting a behavior professional, an internal Head Start dog-in-training program, one-on-one behavior consults, training classes, and adoption follow-up calls. For more information, call the shelter at 563-582-6766, or send an email to trainer@dbqhumane.org.
Choosing Your Consultant, Dog Professional or Trainer
Dog owners are confronted with a wide variety of training services, techniques and advice. Selecting amongst these choices can be overwhelming. At the DRHS, we recommend professionals who meet the following criteria:
- Are accredited by a national or international organization that emphasizes adherence to a professional code of ethics
- Emphasize a non-judgmental, non-exploitive and confidential relationship with each client
- Offer only those services in which the professional is competent with referral to other professionals as necessary
- Minimize the use of aversive techniques and maximize the use of positive reinforcement
- Encourage pre-enrollment observation of training classes
- Exhibit an understanding of human and canine behavior with an emphasis on optimizing the learning experience for both dogs and humans.
- Focus on building a strong, healthy, and mutually respectful relationship as the foundation for all training
The professionals employed by the DRHS meet or exceed these criteria and are available to answer your questions!
Training Classes
Good Dog Academy – for dogs over 5 months
Want to get some control over your dog's behavior, learn to train your dog, and have fun doing it? This is the beginning class for you! We use proven, effective, positive reward-based motivational training techniques that will have you seeing results within a few short weeks!
Click here for more information and for a current class schedule.Basic Agility
Want to introduce your dog to basic agility? We’ve got a nice selection of agility equipment and you are welcome to use it every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Cost is $5.00 per session. You must present proof of current vaccinations (Distemper, Rabies and Bordatella). Dogs must also have a clean history of no dog bites.
Head Start Program
The primary purpose of the Head Start (HS) Dog-in-Training Program is to increase the likelihood of adoption of good shelter dogs, who lack manners, socialization, and/or
training. Additionally, the HS program is a model for positive, "dog-friendly" training methods. HS dogs are trained primarily by a core group of trained HS instructors. For
information on becoming a HS instructor, contact the shelter's Community Outreach Coordinator. Click here to learn more about our Head Start program.
Behavioral & Health Follow-up CallsThe shelter's goal is to produce successful adoptions. While all pets undergo a period of adjustment in their new environments, with accurate information, owners can make this transition as stress-free as possible. Therefore, all adoptions are followed by a post-adoption follow-up call from a behavior professional approximately one to three weeks after a pet is adopted. Many adopters will experience similar types of problems after bringing their pets home and most of these problems are easily resolved with a few simple tips. Adopters are also encouraged to call the shelter any time to discuss any behavioral or health issues.
Quotes from Previous Class Participants"I couldn't get over how fast the dogs picked up on a command. I am very glad I took this class. It was wonderful."
"Seeing the progress in just six weeks was amazing."
"I would recommend this class to anyone who needs obedience training"
"What I enjoyed most about this class was the way my dog and I were treated."
"This class has made us appreciate what a dog 'really is'."