Canine PhD is currently located in Atlanta off Means Street. In the picture above,Valentine is leaving class with volunteer, Charlotte. She had a good class and got out in the room with the other dogs who were also out from their corners. The dogs are kept behind barriers where they cannot see the other dogs, though they can smell and hear them, while they settle down. When they are in a relaxed state, they are brought from behind the barriers into the mainroom so they can work in each others company.
Valentine never fully relaxed, though she got close a couple times. She was very aware of everything going on. She gets so excited by treat rewards that we actually have to limit what kind and how many she can have. We make sure to use a clicker, soothing pets, soft voices, and calming body language to show her that we want her to relax.
It was a rainy afternoon, and there was a lot happening in Atlanta this Saturday--protests, sports games, construction. Given all of the unknowns, we are very proud of how well Valentine did. We are going to continue working on relaxing and settling at the shelter so she gets better and better for her classes. For a shelter dog, relaxing is not always easy. They live uncertain lives but, if we can teach them how to soothe themselves, they will have tools that they can use the rest of their lives. In the shelter and in their adoptive home.
Contact Laura at lmckelvey@pawsatlanta.org if you or someone you know is interested in Valentine.
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