Humane Society gets $100K for dog program

The San Diego Humane Society received a $100,000 grant from the Franklin, Tenn.-based PEDIGREE Foundation, earmarked for its Welcome Committee program, which helps dogs make a smooth transition into the shelter and their adoptive homes.

The nonprofit humane society was picked out of nearly 500 entries for the grant, which will be used over two years for the program and focuses on dogs coming to the shelter showing fear or stress during their first 24-48 hours in care.

The program helps reduce the adjustment time for dogs arriving at the shelter, build relationships with people and decrease anxiety, which helps dogs find new homes faster.

“If we can be extra sensitive to their feelings from the getgo 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,” said Amanda Kowalski, San Diego Humane Society vice president of Behavior Programs.

Some of the behaviors of dogs in the program include retreating to the back of the kennel when approached, avoiding handling or leashing, trembling and excessive barking in their first day or two at the shelter.

The Welcome Committee program includes rewarding dogs for quiet and calm behavior, drive-by treat tosses teaching dogs to feel comfortable when people approach their kennels, treat trails to build confidence and no pressure interactions along with fear-free leashing, handler eye contact and teaching dogs S.W.A.G. (Sit, Wait, Attend, Generalize).

San Diego Humane Society’s Behavior & Training Program plays a key role in the nonprofit’s goal to Stay at Zero euthanasia of healthy and treatable shelter animals throughout the area. In 2013, the organization opened its Behavior Center, which has given more than 4,000 animals with “complex challenges” a second chance in finding a home. Along with training shelter pets with behavioral challenges, the nonprofit runs more than 40 training classes (with many online via Zoom), a Behavior Helpline and online resource center with articles and videos.

Visit sdhumane.org/training.