tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post447409612830701855..comments2024-02-28T23:27:13.346-08:00Comments on BAD RAP Blog: When finding a home just isn't enoughTimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17654993049959218916noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-70001520414720051742010-02-18T12:42:26.942-08:002010-02-18T12:42:26.942-08:00A DVD, yes. I'm always impressed with the vid...A DVD, yes. I'm always impressed with the video clips you post here. I have been having fun with my Flip camera and the software is easy to use to put together videos. I got it to take vid of our pittie puppies in CGC class.Diannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02304293013670093540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-37079395025835069932010-02-18T11:13:02.137-08:002010-02-18T11:13:02.137-08:00thanks for the pressure anon. ;-)
seriously, we a...thanks for the pressure anon. ;-)<br /><br />seriously, we appreciate the nudge and vote of support for a project like this.Donnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05881171300084907158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-51877812505594889922010-02-18T09:37:31.670-08:002010-02-18T09:37:31.670-08:00Donna-A DVD sounds like a wonderful idea! I would...Donna-A DVD sounds like a wonderful idea! I would pick that up for the shelter in a heartbeat-at any cost. <br /><br />I really hope something like that can be put together, I think it would help a lot of dogs and staff!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-23631071728459223532010-02-17T13:34:17.221-08:002010-02-17T13:34:17.221-08:00The tricky thing was that it wasn't my group, ...The tricky thing was that it wasn't my group, Donna! :P It was terribly cold and they'd invited me to share a corner of their tent because I was out in the wind and my artwork was getting blown off the table. <br /><br />I still stand by the remark, but it really wasn't the most diplomatic thing I could have said! :P And I hate that they may be discouraging people from finding out how much fun and how rewarding it is to train their dogs!Caithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13224688543168725516noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-55679816036496932072010-02-17T08:35:10.234-08:002010-02-17T08:35:10.234-08:00Perfect, Bethany. Thank you.Perfect, Bethany. Thank you.Donnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05881171300084907158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-64865261317820627552010-02-17T07:52:22.904-08:002010-02-17T07:52:22.904-08:00Events can be rough. All our volunteers get traini...Events can be rough. All our volunteers get training (disclosure, I am a volunteer, but have occasionally been asked to run events when staff can't for some reason) but sometimes they don't remember or they just say the wrong thing. I usually try to sort of "cover" my correction. "Well, they're certainly not aggressive dogs, but training is always encouraged. Let me tell you about some of our low-cost training classes and give you the email of our training director. He's a great guy, does amazing things. See this little gal here--she was so timid when she came in, now she can do agility because of him!" or some sort of friendly, upbeat correction that doesn't necessarily sound like a correction. I still wish I could say our classes were totally free.Bethanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10863027065920743028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-79046323717649662832010-02-17T07:47:29.003-08:002010-02-17T07:47:29.003-08:00Oops! - lol. Yes, frustrating Cait. And puts you i...Oops! - lol. Yes, frustrating Cait. And puts you in a very awkward position of having to correct a volunteer in front of the public. It might help to give new volunteers a little training in advance of an event so they can feel confident with all the right talking points.<br /><br />anon 11:43 - Thanks for the nice words. We've gone round and round about manuals. Love'em hate'em - especially since materials would be so open to a variety of interpretations. A DVD might be a better way to go.Donnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05881171300084907158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-38760170215557254582010-02-17T00:19:17.752-08:002010-02-17T00:19:17.752-08:00I had a very frustrating experience over the weeke...I had a very frustrating experience over the weekend at a rescue fair when I (without thinking) corrected a rescue volunteer who said "Our dogs don't need training. They're so calm they fit in any home." with "ALl dogs need trianing- it's not just about listening, it's about teaching the dog and handler to speak the same language." Oops. But training and matching the right owner tot he right dog is so, so, so important!Caithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13224688543168725516noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-62680255005661907262010-02-16T11:43:36.918-08:002010-02-16T11:43:36.918-08:00Great Blog Post. I think Bad Rap has done a great...Great Blog Post. I think Bad Rap has done a great job supporting shelters and rescue groups through their courses and materials. Has Bad Rap ever considered putting a manual together for shelter pits? I often hear of shelters who simply don't have the knowledge or experience to evaluate or place pitbulls. It would be great if they could have a reference point, at least something general that could help them evaluate, train and responsibly place dogs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-6175873831796892492010-02-16T09:25:08.979-08:002010-02-16T09:25:08.979-08:00Unfortunately not in a place in my life yet where ...Unfortunately not in a place in my life yet where I can adopt a dog (I do volunteer though, foster cats, and have a dog in my 10 year plan--I'm a firm believer in over planning). Glad to hear she's doing well. The HLE officer who rescued her was a friend of mine and the story just about broke my heart.Bethanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10863027065920743028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-66701765295161463302010-02-16T07:59:00.654-08:002010-02-16T07:59:00.654-08:00Bethany, Yes. Animal Farm and Washington Humane S...Bethany, Yes. Animal Farm and Washington Humane Society have both posted the same picture of her on Facebook. She seems to be doing great! She's up for adoption, contact Animal Farm.Diannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02304293013670093540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-1022575182305913472010-02-15T22:09:30.494-08:002010-02-15T22:09:30.494-08:00Dianne, Is Trudy Trooper?Dianne, Is Trudy Trooper?Bethanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10863027065920743028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-82520112677884394502010-02-15T19:49:13.871-08:002010-02-15T19:49:13.871-08:00Hi Jill
Maintaining leash laws is a matter of pub...Hi Jill<br /><br />Maintaining leash laws is a matter of public safety. We can't blame the dogs (the number of dogs or type of dogs or behavior of dogs) for the irresponsible behavior of clueless dog owners. <br /><br />Our leashed, dog-social male (a BACS alumnae) was attacked recently by two off-leash dogs (a schnauzer and a chow/something mix) and their owner swore up and down that they "usually don't go this far with dogs" (they'd attacked before) and - the kicker - "that pit bull must have done something aggressive to stir them up." Right. <br /><br />Tim and I explained the nature of pack behavior, and warning signs and dog owner responsibility, all the while dialing our vet for an emergency appointment. This sad example of blinding ignorance is exactly why we need leash laws. We didn't blame her dogs for acting like dogs or for being owned by a dim bulb. They would've had just as nice of a walk on a leash, and they wouldn't have had to be kicked in the sides and punted across the sidewalks by the angry dog owners who were put in the terrible situation of having to protect their pet.<br /><br />You're a good dog owner, I'm a good dog owner. But we're in the minority. Casual pet owners force us all to accept safety measures that ensure that all are contained equally -- especially since dogs certainly don't have the luxury of being trained or socialized equally.<br /><br />DC would be fun, Dianne. So many faces to meet, so little time. The east coast is definitely calling, though.Donnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05881171300084907158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-90208864756972932532010-02-15T14:37:17.649-08:002010-02-15T14:37:17.649-08:00Hey, we'd love to have you in DC, too. Ask An...Hey, we'd love to have you in DC, too. Ask Animal Farm folks to give our little "Trudy" some special hugs... she was pulled from a dumpster where she had been left for dead and they are rehabbing her.<br /><br />PS I'm just 2 blocks from Wayne's office LOL.Diannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02304293013670093540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-82221579921474038492010-02-14T20:51:49.155-08:002010-02-14T20:51:49.155-08:00NYCKitten - thanks for the nudge to get out to NY!...NYCKitten - thanks for the nudge to get out to NY! We'd love love love to do that sometime, and have gabbed with Animal Farm about possibilities. It may happen yet. We're keeping our eye out for good opportunities.Donnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05881171300084907158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-19025919116107858802010-02-14T16:31:33.591-08:002010-02-14T16:31:33.591-08:00What I wouldn't give you for you to run a semi...What I wouldn't give you for you to run a seminar not just for adopters but for inexperienced, but well-meaning, rescuers in NYC. COME TO NY!!! =) I swear I will get you here sooner or later hosting a seminar...even if we are all 80yrs old when it happens! =) Happy V Day!Susan Cava Ruimyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14458237212824464963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-36235811421588803452010-02-14T15:18:16.918-08:002010-02-14T15:18:16.918-08:00Hi Donna
I'm one of the people who completely...Hi Donna<br /><br />I'm one of the people who completely support Berkeley's progressive and smart leash law which gives the owner the possibility to walk their dog off leash if under voice control within a certain distance. Like many progressive laws, this involves all parties involved taking some personal responsibility. I get that if you are walking a dog aggressive dog on leash you don't want a playful pup running up to your dog, but the presence of so many dog aggressive dogs in our community is what leads to a bunch of unwarranted and often brutal attacks by dogs on other dogs that the owners seem powerless to stop, even between dogs on leash. The off leash law isn't the problem - it's what happens when those dogs at the shelter leave to go into homes. Just because great BACS volunteers can walk one of 'red dot' dogs at Berkeley shelter, doesn't mean the average dog owner can handle them. <br />Jill PosenerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-12528338157445079922010-02-13T20:08:40.562-08:002010-02-13T20:08:40.562-08:00Thank you for the post. My little man is at that s...Thank you for the post. My little man is at that sassy spark plug phase. We're headed to orientation tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited some new skills to better prepare both of us for those scenarios!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-34364177141681086402010-02-13T16:43:26.344-08:002010-02-13T16:43:26.344-08:00Everyone has to design their program based on thei...Everyone has to design their program based on their particulars - especially, the styles of dogs that are getting adopted. <br /><br />Our classes for adopters are always free and definitely mandatory. Most would be there even if they weren't mandatory, but occasionally someone needs this (contractual) requirement to nudge them out of bed on Saturday mornings. <br /><br />We deal with so many dogs from fight busts and/or dogs that have been horribly unsocialized, so as you can imagine, it really helps the breed to make sure everyone is stepping up 100%. It may be different if we only dealt with ding-dong youngsters, but we love our spicey pit bulls way too much to soften the program.<br /><br />The public typically pays for class because, after several years of offering classes, we've found that people are much less likely to give up if they've made a financial investment. Isn't that the way it goes?Donnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05881171300084907158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-82214593356556220242010-02-13T12:29:20.008-08:002010-02-13T12:29:20.008-08:00I don't think you need to make training mandat...I don't think you need to make training mandatory, just free and convenient (evenings and weekends). The free classes offered on Friday evening and taught by a CPDT are always full. You don't make your money off of adoptions or training tuition -- you make it off of goodwill.Diannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02304293013670093540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-65633453881066025692010-02-13T12:07:40.058-08:002010-02-13T12:07:40.058-08:00Hey, Anon
I think if you make the class free and o...Hey, Anon<br />I think if you make the class free and offered at a convenient time (weekends and evenings) you'd be surprised at the turn out. Our free, evening class is always oversubscribed.Diannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02304293013670093540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-21129044948654874472010-02-13T09:13:07.165-08:002010-02-13T09:13:07.165-08:00Donna,
Great blog and comments!
I especially li...Donna,<br /><br />Great blog and comments! <br /><br />I especially like the idea of giving a training class by a professional trainer to all new adopters. At the very least they can see how training works and it might get them to continue. As a volunteer at a shelter in Jersey City, NJ I see too many well meaning but clueless people who adopt and since the majority of our dogs are young pit bulls and mixes this creates more returns and behavior problems. <br /><br />Our shelter tried offering inexpensive training classes by a professional dog trainer to recent adopters, but did not get much of a response. I think if the classes were free and mandatory for adopters of pit bulls and other strong breeds, it might make more of a difference.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-9162661794802088532010-02-12T17:37:01.049-08:002010-02-12T17:37:01.049-08:00As a vet tech and a veteran rescuer, I should have...As a vet tech and a veteran rescuer, I should have known better, but I fell for the trap of impulse adoption too. I wound up with an exuberant JRT mix, and I've had to re-vamp my couch potato lifestyle to fit his needs. <br /><br />It turned out to be a good thing for me (I exercise now more than I ever had) but the first 18 months or so were the most exhausting of my life I love my Jasper though, and I am glad we ended up together. Next time I go looking for a dog though, I'll be looking for a lounging buddy rather than a tazzy devil. ;)The Captainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02208442720420129799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-7327382786554211122010-02-12T13:26:35.799-08:002010-02-12T13:26:35.799-08:00I adopted a pit bull to save his life after he had...I adopted a pit bull to save his life after he had been at a l.a. city shelter for 6 months and was on his final euth date. L.A. city shelter don't care who you are as long as you pay and show ID and they give no pre-adoption counseling or even suggest any training or anything. I've had more guidance and question asked of me when buying furniture. <br /><br />But I fell madly in love with this particular dog and knew that he couldn't die so I read every single thing I could at the BR website and PBRC and got him into a class taught by Tia from Villalobos and just went along for the ride. Adopting him was a hugely emotional, not super logical, decision and there was no joyous "yay I adopted a dog!" feeling just a "I can't leave him there to die, he deserves more than that". I did have sense enough to decide that if he proved himself to be a man-biter, I would have him put to sleep--at my vet, not in the shelter. Luckily, he just proved to be a too smart for his own good rascal who is dog reactive. <br /><br />I don't recommend adopting the way I did--but I also know that most people give up their dogs too easily and would not got to the lengths my family has to keep their pittie out of trouble. That includes having to leash him whenever he is outside --even in our fenced yard--as he is a fence jumper. He made it out once (and was caught less a minute later across the street) and attempted another time. That was enough. Now we we take him out to potty and do numerous laps around the yard, at minimum 3x a day and often more. Because of so many unleashed dogs in the neighborhood and at the popular parks, he can only go for walks at a certain park that is almost always empty and totally flat so I can see if there's trouble (in the form of some stupid person with their dog offleash) coming.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35009181.post-50017980521900830682010-02-12T10:41:05.296-08:002010-02-12T10:41:05.296-08:00Hi, I am just getting to this after spending 4 day...Hi, I am just getting to this after spending 4 days snowbound in DC. I volunteer at the Washington Animal Rescue League (www.warl.org) <br />and do not speak for the shelter officially. We have been using the ASPCA's Meet Your Match program for about two years now. <br /><br />http://www.aspca.org/adoption/meet-your-match/<br /><br />This helps us give potential adopters an idea of what the dog will be like when they get it home initially. Most of our pitties will be green, which means they are highly socially, very persistent, and high energy. That, rather than breed, helps me as an adoption counselor to <br />steer people to the right dog for them. Sometimes people ask specifically for a pit bull, but most of the time they stumble on them. <br /><br />I tell them you will have to train your dog, and it will have to be <br /><br /><b>The Best Dog</b> <br /><br />on your block. This summer, I had one young man (around 12-14) tell his mom he would give up a sports so he could train his dog. <br /><br />I would never ever try to "force" a dog on a potential adopter. In <br />fact, what I have done, is suggest that some of our shyer dogs might be seen as a challenge, to get them to come out of their shell. Some people are very receptive to that idea. The hardest to place right now are the puppy mill dogs. Also, the Last Puppy. The one who is not as outgoing as the others in the litter, and is now is danger of growing up in the shelter.<br /><br />I also help with training the dogs. Quite a few volunteers also serve as trainers and go throught training with our CPDT. There is a group of about 13 of us who are working on CGC certification. Right now we have three pit-mix dogs under 6 months old that we are training to be CGC certified. This was inspired in part by the open admissions shelter run by WHS for the city, who got their first CGC for a pit-mix in December. <br /><br />When I show a dog to a potential <br />adopter, I can usually "train" them to sit while I am talking with them. (The dog, not the <br />people!) The people claim that I "know" the dog or have some special relationship with the dog, and then I give them some treats to use with the dog and show them how easy it is. We are offering a free class to new adopters which is about an hour and a half, people only class, taught by a Certified Pet Dog Trainer and using only positive reinforcement. I have assisted with this class a couple of times. I have had adopters take me aside afterwards and say basically - oh wow, I had no idea I would learn so much! We also offer hands-on with your dog classes. We have made special arrangements for dogs who are very <br />reactive and are able to train them apart from the rest of the class. We have offered these classes for free with certain dog adoptions as an incentive to place a harder-to-place dog. The return rate for our shelter is about 8 percent.<br /><br />I also probably qualify as one of the "pissed off and very determined middle age women who kick ass"... except I hardly expect to live to be 112! <br /><br />I'm sure I've forgotten something, just let me know.Diannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02304293013670093540noreply@blogger.com